Cronje a late Springboks scratching

Fri, Sep 15, 2017, 2:30 AM
AFP
by AFP
Ross Cronje is a late withdrawal from the Springboks side. Photo: Getty Images
Ross Cronje is a late withdrawal from the Springboks side. Photo: Getty Images

South Africa suffered a blow Friday on the eve of their Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks with scrum-half Ross Cronje pulling out because of illness.

He has been replaced by Francois Hougaard with Rudy Paige added to the bench, the team said in a statement on social media.

"Ross Cronje withdrawn from Springbok team vs All Blacks because of stomach bug, replaced by Francois Hougaard. Rudy Paige onto the bench," South African Rugby said.

Cronje, who made his debut against France in June, has played four Tests and was also a member of the Golden Lions side that made the Super Rugby final this year.

His replacement Hougaard, who now plays for the Worcester Warriors, is a 45-Test veteran.

South Africa takes on New Zealand in Albany on Saturday September 16, kicking off at 8pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten, Win and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

TEAM

IN: Rudy Paige, Uzair Cassiem

OUT: Jaco Kriel, Ross Cronje

South Africa to take on New Zealand

1. Tendai Mtawarira

2. Malcolm Marx

3. Ruan Dreyer

4. Eben Etzebeth

5. Franco Mostert

6. Siya Kolisi

7. Jean-Luc du Preez

8. Uzair Cassiem

9. Francois Hougaard

10. Elton Jantjies

11. Courtnall Skosan

12. Jan Serfontein

13. Jesse Kriel

14. Raymond Rhule

15. Andries Coetzee

Reserves

16. Bongi Mbonambi

17. Steven Kitshoff

18. Trevor Nyakane

19. Lood de Jager

20. Pieter Steph Du Toit

21. Rudy Paige

22. Handre Pollard

23. Damian de Allende

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