Prop Jannie du Plessis has not recovered from a hamstring injury and will miss the Springboks’ final tour match against Wales, reports JON CARDINELLI in Cardiff.

Du Plessis sustained a leg injury in the big win against England at Twickenham. He did not feature in the subsequent game against Italy, and it's now been confirmed that he'll take no part in the clash against Wales.

The Boks are well covered in the tighthead position, and it’s likely Coenie Oosthuizen will start at No 3 again this Saturday. Julian Redelinghuys, who made his debut against Italy, should also get another chance from the bench.

Warren Whiteley strained his calf last week, and has not recovered. The loose forward will not be available for selection this week.

While the Boks are well covered in the loose forward position, they are thin at lock. There are currently enough locks on tour to fill the three positions in the match 23. But outside of Victor Matfield, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, the Boks have no alternatives. Bakkies Botha announced his retirement this past Saturday, but would not have played against Wales due to his commitment to French side Toulon.

The good news for the Boks is that prop Beast Mtawarira has recovered from a calf strain sustained in the clash against England, and will play against Wales. Meyer is also likely to give Bismarck du Plessis a start at hooker this Saturday.

Johan Goosen, Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen have all returned to their respective clubs. The coming game falls outside of World Rugby’s Test window, and so clubs in England, France and Japan aren’t obliged to release their Test players.

Willie le Roux and Cornal Hendricks are expected to start for the Boks at fullback and right wing respectively. Lwazi Mvovo will receive a rare opportunity to start in the No 11 position in the absence of Habana.

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