DHL Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has replaced Ralepelle in the squad and trained with the team on Wednesday morning in Cape Town.

Ralepelle, who has played in 21 Tests for the Springboks, injured his knee during a training drill on Tuesday afternoon.

“We assessed him again this morning and he will not be available at least for the first two Tests in The Castle Rugby Championship,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

Liebenberg, who toured with the Springboks at the end of 2007 and played against the Barbarians, was on the official stand-by list.