The Springboks have suffered a few more punishing blows with the news that lock Flip van der Merwe is on his way home, Heinrich Brüssow is not fit to play and Gio Aplon is doubtful for this weekend.

Van der Merwe injured a rib cartilage in Saturday's Test against Australia in Sydney and will not recover in time to be fit for this weekend's Test against New Zealand in Wellington so he will leave the squad on Wednsesday.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will not be calling for a second lock replacement, following the arrival of Stade Francais lock, Gerhard Mostert. He joined the squad on Sunday as a replacement for Johann Muller who left on the same day, having failed to recover from a hamstring strain.

Star flank Brüssow has also been ruled out of contention for the Test. The loose forward has also failed to recover from a hamstring strain, but will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation. 

De Villiers said that it was hoped he would be able to receive some game time for the Free State Cheetahs in their Currie Cup game against Western Province next Saturday.

Fullback Gio Aplon did not train for a second day because of back and shoulder injuries. De Villiers said the player was now doubtful for the Wellington Test.