Makazole Mapimpi is on his way back home after receiving a serious blow to the cheek on Sunday. Rassie Erasmus, head of South African Rugby, confirmed on Monday that the injury is serious and that Mapimpi will not be able to play in the rest of the World Cup.
The wing suffered a fracture to his eye bank and cheekbone after Augustine Pulu dived him with the shoulder during Sunday’s game against Tonga. He will not be able to play for at least six weeks.
“We are sad for Mapimpi. We will miss him as a player, as well as what he means to us off the field.” Mapimpi is the second Bok who had to pack his bags due to a serious injury after Malcolm Marx’s knee injury landed him in the infirmary in the second week of the tournament. He was replaced by Handré Pollard.
Erasmus did promise that he would fly these two players back to France if the Goats reached the World Cup final.
The team will continue their rugby program again on Wednesday.
