JUST ANNOUNCED: One of the Springboks’ most influential players is at risk of missing their final Test of the year against Wales

The Springboks are sweating over the availability of star man Ox Nche ahead of next weekend’s season-ending Test against Wales in Cardiff.

The world’s leading loosehead prop Ox Nche is a fitness concern, after suffering an untimely injury while on duty for the Springboks against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Nche was forced off early with an open gash above his knee which required stitches in the Boks’ 29-20 victory against the hosts in London.

The result means South Africa have consolidated their No 1 spot on the world rankings for now and a win over the Welsh will see them end the year at the top of the rankings list. However, the world champions could be forced to play that game without Nche.

Erasmus said they would assess Nche’s injury in the next day or two and said they would determine his availability next week depending on his recovery.

WILL THE SPRINGBOK SCRUM STILL DOMINATE WITHOUT OX NCHE?

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MATCH RECAP:

The Springboks were far from their best and this performance was far from pretty, but it was good enough to get them past an inspired England side in front of a partisan Twickenham crowd.

England dominated possession and territory, but the Springboks — despite their ill-discipline — called on their defensive might in the second half to get the job done.

England drew first blood with a stunning try, but the Springboks clawed their way back into the contest and ultimately took a 19-17 lead into the break.

The second half was dominated by the hosts, but while they failed to convert their chances into points, the Springboks had no such qualms as they outscored England 10-3 to secure a comfortable victory.