The player took a knock to the neck during the Springboks 20-18 defeat to Italy last week and may not recover in time for the match against Wales.

Should the Bone Collector not be available, Oupa Mohoje could return to the starting XV.

This will open the door for his Toyota Cheetahs teammate, Uzair Cassiem, to earn his Test debut.

Cassiem could replace Nizaam Carr in the starting side, or he could be doing duty off the bench.

The coach, Allister Coetzee, has lost patience with players that haven’t been using their opportunity and he warned that heads will roll this week.

“I’ve been fair to players and I’ve tried to build continuity,” said Coetzee.

“There has to be consequences as well.

“It’s important to give other new players an opportunity this weekend.

“I’m looking for a new energy and I’m looking for excitement as well.

The Lions centre, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, is expected to be on debut this weekend, while Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk should be forming the halfback combination.

Saturday’s Test between Wales and the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport