Kriel’s sustained a knee injury while playing for his Japanese club, Kubota Spears, and will be side-lined for at least 4 weeks.

The injury comes a huge blow for the team after it was earlier announced that Francois Louw is also unavailable due to a knee injury as well.

Du Plessis in his turn has withdrawn from the team due to personal reasons.

The Montpellier front rower and his wife are expecting their third child.

The Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, says he has spoke to the prop before his withdrawal from the squad.

“Jannie and I had a good conversation on Wednesday evening and he still has a burning desire to be part of the Springboks. 

"However, due to his current personal circumstances, he unfortunately had to withdraw from the squad.

“Jannie has a wealth of experience, he still has a lot to offer and he stays part of our plans. 

"I want to wish him and his wife well as they are looking forward to welcome a third addition to their family.”

As a result the Springboks team management has decided to retain Nizaam Carr and Lourens Adriaanse for the entire tour.

Kriel injury in particular is a great opportunity for the exciting Roelof Smit to impress.

Smit has been compared to the All Black great, Richie McCaw, and the 23-year-old pilferer Smit explains how he got the nickname, McCaw.

"My nickname came from the Bulls, it think it came from one of previous coaches at U21 level.

"I like to play  to the ball and Richie McCaw is one of heroes and so is Francois Louw and the other poachers in world rugby."

The Springboks depart for London on Friday night and will face the Barbarians in their tour opener at Wembley on 5 November.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport