PADUA: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth should be fit for this weekend's third and penultimate Tour match against Italy in Padua, the South African medical team said Monday.
The 26-year-old was forced off just five minutes into Saturday's 18-17 win over France in Paris after a blow to his lower leg, but x-rays revealed no problems.
"We expect it just to be a soft tissue injury and will manage it accordingly. He has a good chance to play on Saturday," said team doctor Konrad von Hagen.
Hooker Malcolm Marx will have tests in Padua on Monday after injuring his shoulder during the game in Paris, with forward Pieter-Steph du Toit recovering well from concussion.
"It's great to have Pieter-Steph back because he was excellent for us prior to the concussion," said Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee.
Coetzee is under pressure after Ireland recorded their biggest win over South Africa, a 38-3 hammering at Lansdowne Road in their opening Test.
Coetzee also suffered a shock 20-18 defeat in Florence in the 2016 autumn internationals -- the first time South Africa were beaten by Italy.
"The whole idea for us this week is to play with our strongest possible team so that we can build more momentum and continuity," said Coetzee.
"There will be opportunities for the wider group in the last match because that one falls outside the international window," said Coetzee, referring to members of the squad who will be back on duty for their overseas club sides when South Africa complete their tour against Wales in Cardiff on December 2.
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