The Sharks’ prop was taken off early during their 29-20 win at Allianz Stadium, raising concerns. However, coach Rassie Erasmus clarified after the match that the injury is less serious than initially feared. “It’s a cut above the knee, not the knee itself, which is positive, but it’s quite deep,” Erasmus explained. He compared it to a similar cut Nche sustained against New Zealand earlier in the season.
Erasmus emphasized that Nche is not injured but hinted they would avoid risking him against Wales if there’s a chance the cut could reopen. “I’m no doctor, but it depends on how quickly the stitches heal. It’s not in the knee, and he’s not injured—it’s just above the knee,” he said. “We won’t risk him if there’s a chance it could reopen.”
Nche has been a consistent presence in Erasmus’ lineup since 2018 and has become the first-choice loosehead prop for the Springboks this season. In 2024, he has played in 10 of South Africa’s 11 Tests, starting in nine of them. If he is unavailable for the Wales match, it could offer an opportunity for Gerhard Steenekamp to start. Bath’s Thomas du Toit, who impressed against Scotland, is another potential option due to his versatility at loosehead.
As South Africa gears up for their final Test of 2024, they aim to replicate their dominant 41-13 victory over Wales from June.