South Africa centres Damian de Allende and Lionel Mapoe and loose forward Duane Vermeulen will miss the first Test against France this weekend, coach Allister Coetzee said on Monday.

De Allende has not recovered from a thigh injury sustained last month playing for Western Stormers in the Super Rugby competition.

Mapoe, promoted from the South Africa A squad after Lukhanyo Am withdrew injured last week, was himself ruled out by a hamstring strain.

Vermeulen sustained a shoulder injury playing for Toulon in the French Top 14 final at the weekend against Clermont, who won 22-16 in Paris.

Seeking redemption after a disastrous eight-loss 2016 season, the Springboks face Les Bleus on June 10 in Pretoria, June 17 in Durban and June 24 in Johannesburg. – Agence France-Presse

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