South Africa centre Andre Esterhuizen has been ruled out of Saturday's series decider against Wales with a broken hand.
The 28-year-old sustained the injury during the Springboks' 13-12 loss in Bloemfontein over the weekend.
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Boks assistant coach Deon Davids confirmed on Monday that Esterhuizen is facing around a month on the sidelines.
However, South Africa were always expected to revert back to the XV that started the first Test, which ended in a dramatic 32-29 victory.
That would see Lukhanyo Am and Damian De Allende recalled as the hosts' starting midfield combination for the Cape Town showdown.
Esterhuizen is now in a race against time to be fit for South Africa's opening Rugby Championship match against New Zealand on August 6.
It's not our day in Bloem - congratulations to @WelshRugbyUnion for a great effort out on the pitch in a very tough clash, and on your first Test win over the Boks in South Africa. #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #SAvWAL #CastleIncomingSeries pic.twitter.com/ZwuxTz2xF8
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 9, 2022
