Pieter-Steph du Toit out of South Africa squad to face Ireland
Tuesday 31 May 2016 17:24, UK
South Africa have been dealt a blow ahead of their home series against Ireland with the loss of key lock Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Du Toit has been in superb form for Super Rugby side Stormers this season, but a grade two hamstring tear will keep him out of action for up to six weeks.
His place in the squad has been handed to Lions second-rower Franco Mostert, who had been named in the South Africa A squad preparing to face the England Saxons..
Mostert is expected to provide back-up for likely starters Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth, while his place in the A squad goes to Sharks lock Stephan Lewies.
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South Africa's squad started working out in Stellenbosch on Monday, with centre Jesse Kriel and prop Trevor Nyakane unavailable.
Kriel is still being eased back in to action after suffering a bruised sternum while Nyakane faces a scan on a shoulder injury.
Ireland are travelling to South Africa for a three-Test series, which kicks off on June 11 in Cape Town.
