South Africa tight-head prop CJ van der Linde will miss their final Tri-Nations match against Australia on Saturday after being handed a four-week ban.

He was found guilty of dangerous play after striking Wallabies scrum-half Sam Cordingley with his head in the teams' clash in Durban last Saturday.

The Springboks have also lost wing JP Pietersen amid several injury concerns.

Bismarck du Plessis, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira and Butch James are all nursing injuries.

Pietersen was ruled out with a hamstring strain, and replaced in the squad by Odwa Ndungane.

With Van der Linde now also out of action, Jannie du Plessis comes in as prop cover.

Australia have problems of their own with flanker Rocky Elsom receiving a one-match ban for foul play in Durban.

Elsom was adjudged to have played Springboks lock Victor Matfield in the air, but will appeal against the decision on Thursday.

The Wallabies have already lost lock Dan Vickerman and centre Berrick Barnes to injury.

Vickerman suffered a shoulder injury in the Wallabies' 27-15 win in Durban, with the experienced Nathan Sharpe summoned to replace him.

Barnes has a similar shoulder injury, but will not be replaced in the squad.

Australia are currently a point adrift of New Zealand in the standings after their first win in South Africa for eight years on Saturday.

But they have already assured themselves of a Tri-Nations title decider against the All Blacks in Brisbane on 13 September, regardless of Saturday's result.

(BBC)

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