South Africa's rugby team faces significant uncertainty ahead of their Nations Championship clash against Scotland, with key players potentially missing the match.

Coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that prop Ox Nche is likely to be ruled out after sustaining a knee injury during the team's 45-21 victory over England.

Nche's absence adds to the concerns surrounding the squad's depth, as captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth both withdrew before the match, with Etzebeth's availability still uncertain due to a head injury.Andre Esterhuizen, who left the field after a head knock, also remains in doubt, with Erasmus noting the potential severity of his concussion.

The Springboks' lock position is particularly vulnerable, with only Ruan Nortje as a confirmed starter, while eight locks are sidelined due to injuries, including RG Snyman and Riley Norton.Erasmus emphasized the need for scans to determine the exact nature of the injuries, with timelines for return varying from 10 days to two weeks.

The team's preparation for the Scotland match is complicated by these uncertainties, highlighting the challenges of maintaining depth in a high-stakes tournament.The situation underscores the physical toll of international rugby and the critical importance of injury management in competitive sports.