Left-wing Bryan Habana and No.8 Duane Vermeulen are injury concerns for South Africa ahead of a Rugby Championship Test with title-winners New Zealand on Saturday.

Habana took a knock to the head during the first half of a 28-10 win over Australia in Cape Town last Saturday and quit at halftime.

An outstanding performance by Vermeulen in the same match ended just past the hour when he fell awkwardly and injured a rib cartilage.

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“Bryan developed some symptoms of concussion at the break,” Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts said on Monday.

“He will need to follow the standard post-concussion return-to-play protocol before being considered for the Test at Ellis Park.

“Duane was unable to carry on due to discomfort. He has responded well to treatment, but we will still manage him through training this week before making a final call.”

Coach Heyneke Meyer is scheduled to name his team on Wednesday for a showdown between the top-ranked All Blacks and the second-ranked Springboks.

New Zealand clinched a third consecutive southern hemisphere title by winning 34-13 in Argentina last Saturday.

The All Blacks have 21 points with one round to play, the Springboks 15, the Wallabies 10 and the Pumas three.

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