All Blacks, Springboks contend with injuries

By Associated Press 11 September 2018, 12:00AM

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi has returned to South Africa after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's Rugby Championship match against Australia at Brisbane.

Mapimpi, who was a try-scorer in the match won 23-18 by Australia, will have further scans on his return to determine the seriousness of the injury.

No replacement has been called by the Springboks, who play New Zealand in their next Championship test in Wellington on Saturday.

Meanwhile, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick also faced scans on Monday after suffering a shoulder injury in the All Blacks' test win over Argentina. Retallick may be sidelined for three to six weeks, missing Saturday's test and probably New Zealand's next match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sept. 30.

Center Ngani Laumape will also miss Saturday's match after suffering grade one ligament damage to his knee during last weekend's 46-24 win over Argentina. He will be sidelined for up to three weeks.

Midfielder Sonny Bill Williams was to have x-rays on Monday to determine whether he has recovered from a shoulder injury and is able to start against the Springboks.

Winger Rieko Ioane has recovered from a hamstring injury and is likely to play.

By Associated Press 11 September 2018, 12:00AM
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