Rugby Championship
Willem Alberts fails fitness Test
ESPN Staff
August 29, 2014
South Africa celebrated their escape against Argentina in Salta © Getty Images
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Willem Alberts, has been dropped from the Springboks' 30-man squad to face Australia and New Zealand in the next round of Rugby Championship Tests after failing a fitness test.

Alberts missed both of South Africa's victories over Argentina with a hamstring complaint, but he will miss the tour of Australasia with a nerve issue in his lower back.

"Willem requires further investigation of the symptoms and will see a number of specialists," Springboks doctor Craig Roberts said.

Lions back-rower Warren Whiteley has been recalled to the squad to replace Alberts.

Springboks squad to play in Australia and New Zealand

Forwards: Bakkies Botha, Schalk Brits, Marcell Coetzee, Lodewyk de Jager, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Teboho Mohoje, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Gurthro Steenkamp, Adriaan Strauss, Marcel van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley.

Backs: Damian de Allende, Jean de Villiers (capt), Bryan Habana, Cornal Hendricks, Francois Hougaard, Patrick Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Pienaar, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Jan Serfontein, Morne Steyn.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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