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SYDNEY - Veteran lock Johan Ackermann has joined captain Bob Skinstad on the Springboks' casualty list from Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test in Sydney.
Ackermann joined Skinstad (broken rib) on the flight to Johannesburg last night after suffering concussion during his 13th test appearance in the 17-25 loss to the Wallabies, the Supersport website reported.
Western Province lock Gerrie Britz was set to join the tourists in Christchurch today as cover for both injured players as the Springboks begin preparations for Saturday's Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks at Jade Stadium.
Ackermann, who had also been troubled by a calf injury, is the sixth player from the original selection not to complete the tour after Luke Watson, AJ Venter, Deon Carstens, Cobus Visagie and Skinstad.
Coach Jake White had already left his top 20 players at home to rest them for the World Cup.
White said the loss of Ackermann, 37, was a big loss for their forward power.
"He showed how valuable he is against the Wallabies," White said.
"He's 120kg and he pushes in the scrum and it's no surprise that the Sharks scrum was one of the best performing in Super 14. He's strong enough to stop a maul almost on his own."
- NZPA
