South Africa winger Bryan Habana failed a fitness test on his injured hamstring on Monday and was ruled out of playing Australia this weekend.
Habana limped out in the second half of the 19-0 loss to New Zealand at Cape Town on Saturday, and the Springboks said on Monday he'd be out for 10 days.
Coach Peter de Villiers said Habana's grade-one tear was a major setback. For the Boks to win the title, they must beat Australia at Durban and Johannesburg with bonus points over the next two weekends, and hope the Wallabies beat New Zealand in the last match.
Free State winger Jongi Nokwe, who made his debut against Argentina nine days ago, was retained, and Sharks utility back Ruan Pienaar was summoned to the squad, South Africa manager Andy Marinos said.
Hooker Bismarck du Plessis did not train on Monday because of bruising, and neither did flanker Danie Rossouw, who was cleared after a lower back scan.
South Africa will name their side on Tuesday.
AP
