Etzebeth went off in the first half of South Africa’s 18-3 win over Scotland on Sunday and Erasmus said: “We might find out it’s much more serious, but at this stage it looks like a 10-day injury. We’ll have to make the right call because we can’t have players who are 70% or 80%.”
Etzebeth did not appear to be in too much discomfort during the 18-3 victory and watched the rest of the Scotland game from the bench, even joining in on a lap of honour after. South Africa’s clash with Ireland at the Stade de France will be between the top two teams in the world. The winner will also likely avoid playing hosts and in-form France in the quarter-finals, although that would only mean a probable last-eight clash with three-time champions New Zealand instead.
Erasmus also said he did not expect centre Jesse Kriel to be cited or face any disciplinary action over a tackle that led to a head clash against the Scots, and which drew scrutiny for possibly being worthy of a red card.