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Rugby Championship: Victor Matfield misses South Africa's opener against Argentina

Injured Victor Matfield will miss South Africa's opening fixture of this year's Rugby Championship
Image: Injured Victor Matfield will miss South Africa's opening fixture of this year's Rugby Championship

Victor Matfield has been ruled out of South Africa’s opening Rugby Championship game against Argentina on August 16.

The Springbok lock will miss the match in Pretoria after suffering a knee injury during training.

Following a scan on Tuesday morning, it was discovered he had sustained a small tear to a cartilage and it is not yet known how long he will be absent.

Team doctor Craig Roberts said: "Victor's injury will initially be treated conservatively and a decision on his further participation in the competition will be made during the course of next week.”

South Africa are also waiting for news on Jean de Villiers who recently returned to training following two months out of action through injury.

Coach Heyneke Meyer said: "We'll only know at a later stage if Jean will be ready to face Argentina next week.

"He is our captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad. We will give him as much time as possible to recover, however, a replacement can be called up if he is ruled out of the Test.

"In Victor's case, we will have to call up a short-term replacement, which we'll announce as soon as possible.”

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