RASSIE ERASMUS will take Springbok training today as the world champions come out of their hotel rooms and resume preparations for the Lions series after six days in isolation. With head coach Jacques Nienaber still isolating after contracting Covid-19 last week and captain Siya Kolisi among the six players who tested positive along with three management since the initial outbreak last Monday force them to suspend their activities. As well as the 12 players who tested positive on Tuesday and Lood de Jager who tested positive last Monday, Kolisi, Dan du Preez (back-rows), Ox Nché (prop), Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni (both hookers) and Makazole Mapimpi (wing) remain away from the squad. As a result, Nienaber has called up Sharks hooker Fez Mbatha and Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka as cover. They are set to call Leinster and Ireland prop Rónan Kelleher up as cover.

Source: Irish Independent July 11, 2021 10:07 UTC