Springboks halfback Cronje out of NZ Test

Sep 14, 2017 - 4:00 PM South Africa halfback Ross Cronje has been struck down with a stomach bug ahead of Saturday's clash with the All Blacks forcing him to miss the game.

The four-cap Cronje, who plays for the Lions in Super Rugby, has been replaced in the Springboks' starting XV by Francois Hougaard. Rudy Paige slots onto the bench.

Uncapped at the start of 2017, Cronje scored a try on his Test debut against France in June before further Tests against Les Bleus, Argentina, and Australia.

Hougaard is more than capable of stepping into the breach with 45 Test caps to his name and an ability to play in multiple positions.

The match will be played at QBE Stadium.

Source: AAP