SOUTH AFRICA ARE bringing in Damian Willemse to their World Cup squad to replace Jesse Kriel, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to injury.

Kriel picked up a hamstring problem in his side’s opening game against the All Blacks, and while his condition has improved, he has been ruled out of their remaining pool matches.

DHL Stormers back Williemse, who is on loan at Saracens, will link up with the squad in Japan on Thursday.

The 21-year-old won all of his five caps for South Africa in 2018.

“Damian would have been more involved with us this year but for injury, but he is familiar with our systems and should have no problem slotting in,” said the Springboks Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus.

He has the ability to play in a number of positions in the back division, while other players can cover Jesse’s No 13 jersey.

“I feel for Jesse. He has been in the match-day 23 for almost every match since I took over and is a model professional. He was a key member of the squad.”

Willemse is the second replacement in the Springbok squad since the start of the World Cup.

Former Munster prop Thomas du Toit had came out last month to replace Trevor Nyakane.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella in Japan to review Ireland’s shock defeat to the hosts at the Rugby World Cup.

The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!