The Springboks will be without three of their most experienced players for their Rugby World Cup clash with Fiji in Wellington this weekend but the news isn't as bad as first thought with injuries to lock Victor Matfield and centre Jean de Villiers likely to keep them out of action for just one game.
De Villiers suffered rib cartilage damage in the 17-16 win over Wales on Sunday night while Matfield strained his hamstring.
The prognosis on injured lock Bakkies Botha isn't so good however with the Bulls hardman struggling to recover from an achilles injury.
Coach Peter de Villiers says they'll make a decision shortly on whether to fly in a replacement for Botha.
