Springboks' back row stocks take yet another hit

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus faces another selection blow with Cameron Hanekom set to miss the Springboks' upcoming Test series with Ireland.

The rookie No.8 was a standout performer for the Bulls this season but looks set to miss a potential first cap due to a hamstring tear.

Hanekom sustained his injury during the final against Glasgow and it looks like the injury in the 48th minute will rule him out of the upcoming Tests.

Hendrik Cronje reported on Twitter that: "I really feel for Cameron Hanekom who injured his hamstring in the URC final. It is highly unlikely that he will be ready for the two tests against Ireland."

This injury further depletes the loose forward stocks as Jasper Wiese is already ruled out due to suspension.

Erasmus will name an updated squad on Tuesday ahead of the series following the conclusion of the United Rugby Championship, with the Bulls falling to Glasgow Warriors in the final on Saturday. Flight delays in London mean South Africa will only land back on home soil tomorrow (Tuesday).

Before the injury the 6'4, 110kg loose forward looked like a potential replacement for the retired Duane Vermeulen.

South African rugby legends Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger praised Hanekom's performances this season. De Villiers said Hanekom “had an unbelievable game” while Burger noted his “watershed performance” against Leinster in the semi-final.

Hanekom's performances at Loftus Versfeld saw him carrying 15 times for 126 metres, beating six defenders, and making three offloads, alongside game-changing tackles.

Burger said: “Moving forward, you look at the Test series that is coming up now, the Irish Test match, and there is one position where we don’t have someone. Duane Vermeulen at No.8 used to be a shoe-in, and Jasper Wiese is suspended, so No.8 is one where we look at who are we going to get to fill in. Evan Roos has had an opportunity there. Cameron Hanekom, for me, has put his hand up with a performance like that against Leinster to say, this might be my time.”

Hanekom also qualifies for Wales through his grandmother. Burger believes he should soon be wearing green and gold rather than red.