'Handre is a bit of a worry': Pollard sidelined with re-injured calf

South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has provided an update on the injured players in the Bok camp as the start of the Rugby Championship draws nearer.

On Tuesday, during a media conference in Pretoria, Erasmus said flyhalf Handre Pollard is set to miss the Rugby Championship with his calf injury.

However, Erasmus is hoping the playmaker recovers in time for the World Cup warm-up games in August.

The good news for the Boks is that Damian Willemse is fit again after battling a knee injury in recent weeks.

Erasmus also said that Eben Etzebeth and Jaden Hendrikse (both shoulder injuries) are making good progress and they are on track to be ready for the “back part” of the Rugby Championship.

“I think the only real concern will be Handre,”  said Erasmus.

“Damian Willemse is ready to go.”

Erasmus added: “Handre is a bit of a worry.

“It’s a calf injury which he re-injured while playing for Leicester. With a re-injury, we are always a bit nervous and that is the reason why we have Elton [Jantjies] here, so that Handre can fully recover and we don’t push him too early.

“In terms of a date, he is more or less the same as Siya [Kolisi]. We are looking at either that Argentina, Wales or NZ Test match [in August], which is not part of the Rugby Championship.”

The Springboks will start their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, July 8.