Springboks explain Makazole Mapimpi's absence for All Blacks Test

Veteran Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi will miss the clash in Cape Town against the All Blacks.

The double Rugby World Cup winner was largely tipped to replace injured outside back Kurt-Lee Arendse in the matchday 23 but has been released back to the Sharks.

However, his omission has nothing to do with his performances but rather a special personal milestone.

Mapimpi’s wife is due to give birth any day now meaning the Springboks released him from the squad earlier this week.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted the winger in a video on the Sharks social media accounts leading them to believe that he would not turn out against New Zealand which has proved to be the case.

“Mapimpi spent the week in KwaZulu-Natal for the birth of his child, and will remain in the province where he will be available for selection for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV for their Carling Currie Cup clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Durban on Sunday,” SA Rugby’s statement confirmed.

The veteran star has crossed for 30 tries in his 44 Tests to date and is just two away from equalling Jaque Fourie’s tally in third place on South Africa’s all-time leading try scorers’ list.

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With Arendse and Mapimpi unavailable, Erasmus has named 2023 Rugby World Cup winner Canan Moodie as the starting winger along with Cheslin Kolbe.

It’s the first time that Moodie will feature for the Springboks this year after an injury saw him miss the Ireland series and the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship..

Moodie starred in his last appearance against the All Blacks starting at outside centre in the 35-7 victory over New Zealand at Twickenham before the Rugby World Cup last year.

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Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi has recovered in time for the second Test after sustaining a facial injury in the clash at Ellis Park. He skippers the side that features 19 Rugby World Cup winners including Eben Etzebeth who reclaims a starting role and earns his 126th Test match.

Cheslin Kolbe starts in the back-three with Moodie as does Willie Le Roux who will earn his 97th Test cap, nudging him to only three Tests away from joining the select group of Springbok centurions.

Steven Kitshoff and Ben-Jason Dixon have also been released from the squad along with Mapimpi and will be available to Western Province in the Currie Cup this weekend when they tackle the Griquas.

READ MORE: Springboks: Kurt-Lee Arendse’s brace powers him up South Africa’s all-time try scorers list