Rassie Erasmus could solve an injury crisis by turning to Montpellier to recall a forgotten Springbok ahead of the second Test against the Wallabies in Perth.

The Springboks shrugged off a couple of late injury withdrawals and opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a bonus-point win in Brisbane.

RG Snyman was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup with a foot injury, while Ruan Nortje was unable to replace the World Cup winner as he broke down in training with a knee issue.

Instead, Pieter-Steph du Toit was shifted to lock and Ben-Jason Dixon was called up from the bench to start at blindside flank, with Salmaan Moerat taking a place among the substitutes.

Erasmus confirmed after the match that both Snyman and Nortje will remain with the squad in Australia.

“Fortunately, the injuries do not seem too serious. Both will remain part of the group,” Erasmus said.

“I think Ben-Jason did well. I thought Pieter-Steph called our lineouts very well against a tall Australian second row.

“We are satisfied with that.”

However, according to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Erasmus could decide to dial lock Nico Janse van Rensburg for a recall as an insurance option in the second row, especially as Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert remain sidelined.

Neither De Jager nor Mostert, who suffered a broken leg against Ireland, are expected to return before the end of the Rugby Championship.

Montpellier star Janse van Rensburg was a surprise call-up for the British & Irish Lions series in 2021. The 30-year-old, who is also capable at blindside flank, played for the SA ‘A’ team against the Lions and made his Test debut in the Rugby Championship against Argentina.

Other options for the Springboks to consider include uncapped DHL Stormers star Ruben van Heerden, fit-again Munster lock Jean Kleyn and Sharks second-rower Jason Jenkins.

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