Injuries sustained in the Top 14 have forced France boss Fabien Galthie to make two changes to his squad for the three-match November campaign that starts against the Springboks on November 8.
Stormers prop Neething Fouche is set for an extended period on the sidelines after an arm injury, leaving the franchise scrambling for a replacement.
Sidelined French star Antoine Dupont used a visit to a football match last weekend to confirm when exactly he will return to the rugby pitch following his long injury lay-off.
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is likely to miss the rest of the international season after having surgery on his ankle this week.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed there are three injured players who have been released from the Rugby Championship squad that will face Argentina.
The Springboks’ burgeoning lock stocks are part of the reason for Eben Etzebeth being left out of the side to face the All Blacks, says assistant coach Duane Vermeulen.