Cape Town - Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out of Saturday's clash against Italy in Florence.

Etzebeth was taken from the field with concussion on the half hour mark in Saturday's 37-21 loss to England at Twickenham when he was steamrolled by No 8, Billy Vunipola.

The Springboks confirmed that Etzebeth would not be replaced in the squad.

Etzebeth's withdrawal will, in all likelihood, see Pieter-Steph du Toit return to his more familiar position in the second row.

The Boks are desperate for a win against Italy this weekend having lost six of their 10 Tests under coach Allister Coetzee this year.

Saturday's loss to England, South Africa's first in 10 years, was the latest disappointment for Coetzee and the Boks.

The Springbok team for the Italy clash will be announced on Thursday.