Pieter-Steph du Toit has also been ruled out after suffering a concussion in South Africa’s defeat in the opening round of the Rugby Championship

After 18 minutes of an unforgettable opening instalment to this year’s Rugby Championship, those wishing to stick the knife into Australian rugby – while also denigrating the British and Irish Lions’ recent achievement – will have been feeling pretty smug;

South Africa captain and flanker Siya Kolisi will be sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury suffered in a shock loss to Australia at the weekend, coach Rassie Erasmus said on Monday.

As if the pain of a first defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in 62 years was not enough, South Africa face a heavy injury toll from the 38-22 defeat in Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener, with captain Siya Kolisi sidelined for an extended period.

In a significant blow to their chances, the Springboks will take on Australia in Cape Town without their star loose forwards Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit due to injuries.

"The task at hand just looks to be too great as they go up against a well-oiled Springboks machine." #RSAvAUS #RugbyChampionship

The Wallabies will begin their Rugby Championship campaign against the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg. The Australians are fresh off a thrilling 2-1 series defeat to the British & Irish Lions that saw Joe Schmidt's team claim the final Test in Sydney.