Eben Etzebeth called up as Yaqeen Ahmed returns home with shoulder injury

Ahmed, the 20-year-old Stormers playmaker who earned his first national call-up as one of six uncapped players for the European leg of the Nations Championship, missed most of the training sessions in the build-up to Saturday's 66-7 victory over Italy in Turin.

Erasmus said the decision to send him home was made in the youngster's best interests.

"We are very sad for Yaqeen after earning his first call-up to the national squad, but we feel it will be best for him to return to South Africa to recover," said Erasmus on Sunday.

"After being with us for a week, he has a good idea of how we operate and has more insight into our systems, and we are confident that the experience will benefit him immensely as a player going forward.

"With enough backline cover in the squad and a number of versatile players among them, we opted to call up Eben, who will not only bring vast experience to the group at this vital stage of the Nations Championship, but also valuable leadership skills, especially with two important matches against France and Ireland in the next two weeks before the Finals Weekend of the tournament."

Etzebeth, South Africa's most-capped player, was originally ruled out of the November tour with an injury but has recovered sufficiently to rejoin the squad.

His return strengthens the second-row resources at a key stage of the campaign, particularly after Salmaan Moerat withdrew from the Italy match with back spasms.

The Springboks will now prepare for Friday's clash against France at the Stade de France, with Ireland to follow a week later. Erasmus is due to name his matchday 23 for the France Test on Monday.

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