On Saturday, the former Cheetah, Lood de Jager, was forced to leave the field before halftime with a shoulder injury during their 19-16 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

The towering second-rower picked up the injury just over three years to the day when he suffered the same fate during the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England in Yokohama, Japan.

On Saturday, he injured his right shoulder, while in Japan it was his left.

It is expected that Franco Mostert could start in the second row this weekend, while Marvin Orie or Salmaan Moerat could be named on the bench.

The Springboks' assistant coach, Deon Davids, told OFM Sport that De Jager is out and the seriousness of his injury is still unknown.

"Unfortunately, we don't have that information yet, he left this morning for further consultation," said the Springboks forwards coach.

"As soon as we know that and the doctor has updated us, we will have better news in terms of that.

"At this stage, we don't have a timeline in terms of his possible return to the squad."

The Boks may be forced to make a change or two in the backline, as their lack of a recognised goal kicker was exploited against the Irish.

This could see the Stormers' pivot, Manie Libbok, make his debut. The World Champions could possibly move Damian Willemse to fullback for the Test with Libbok in a starting role.

The Springboks' assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, confirmed that the youngster, Sacha Mngomezulu, picked up an injury during training and that he is also doubtful for selection.

Meanwhile, another change to the pack could lead to the in-form and impressive Evan Roos starting at eighth man, as it has since also been revealed that Jasper Wiese is undergoing a concussion protocol.

The Springbok team to tackle Les Blues at Stade Velodrome will be announced at 13:00 on Tuesday.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport