The big-ball carrier broke his hand during their 13-12 defeat to the Welsh on Saturday in Bloemfontein.

Esterhuizen was, however, not guaranteed a place in the team for this week as the Boks may revert back to their strongest available squad.

Damian de Allende is expected to run out in Saturday’s decider.

Meanwhile, the Springbok assistant coach, Deon Davids, feels that they're better equipped to select their best team for the decider.

“It’s always awful to lose in a Springbok jersey and that’s something you don’t want.

“The team we selected last week was a part of the bigger picture and the plans that we have and that was well communicated to everyone within the squad.

“We have now seen much about the 42 players in the squad under pressure in these circumstances. That gives us the opportunity to make a selection based on the roadmaps of the players and their performances.

“With that in mind - we will select the best possible side to give us a result this coming Saturday.”

Saturday’s Test at the Cape Town Stadium is scheduled to kick-off at 17:05.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport