CARDIFF, Wales (AP) South Africa's chances of ending a woeful northern hemisphere tour on a high were dealt a blow when Eben Etzebeth was ruled out of the final test against Wales on Saturday while he follows the return-to-play protocol after a concussion.
The giant lock missed the Springboks' first ever loss to Italy on Saturday as he was recovering from a head knock sustained against England the previous weekend. South Africa said Monday that Etzebeth will return home on Tuesday.
South Africa's squad was already depleted before setting off for Europe, one of the main reasons behind its 37-21 loss to England and the humiliating 20-18 defeat in Florence.
Etzebeth will not be replaced in the squad ahead of the Wales game. South Africa will name its team on Thursday.
