The Springbok medical room is finally emptying, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Coach Rassie Erasmus delivered welcome news on Monday, confirming that Damian Willemse, Handré Pollard, Grant Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie will all fly to Baltimore on Sunday and be available for selection for the fourth Test of the Greatest Rivalry series.

The cavalry is coming, and not a moment too soon.

Willemse’s quick turnaround

Damian Willemse’s departure from Saturday’s 33-26 Cape Town victory sparked immediate concern amongst Springbok supporters who’ve watched injuries decimate the backline options over recent weeks.

Also read: Scrum Wars | Matfield believes ref was told to ‘look at the Springboks’ before Cape Town

But Erasmus delivered reassuring news about the versatile back’s hamstring complaint.

“He pulled a hamstring, grade 1, so he should be on the plane on Sunday to Baltimore,” Erasmus confirmed, the relief evident that the injury isn’t as serious as initially feared.

Grade 1 hamstring strains typically involve minor muscle fibre damage and heal relatively quickly with proper treatment and rest. Willemse won’t feature in Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium, but the prognosis suggests he’ll be available when the series moves stateside.

That versatility, the ability to cover fullback, wing and flyhalf at Test level, makes Willemme’s return particularly valuable as Erasmus juggles combinations and manages workloads across four brutal Test matches in five weeks.

Pollard’s awaited comeback

The news Springbok supporters have been desperate to hear: Handré Pollard is finally ready to return.

The veteran flyhalf was forced to withdraw from the second Test in Cape Town after suffering a calf injury.

“Handre, Grant and Canan will be on the plane to Baltimore. They’ll be ready for selection next week,” Erasmus declared, confirming the trio’s availability for the fourth Test.

Pollard’s return provides Erasmus with genuine tactical options at flyhalf. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has performed admirably in the opening three Tests, growing into the role with each performance. But having Pollard available offers experience, composure under pressure, and a goal-kicking boot that’s won countless matches in the final quarter.

Having the option beats not having it, particularly with everything riding on the American leg.

Esterhuizen and Moodie complete the quartet

Grant Esterhuizen’s ankle injury kept the scrumhalf sidelined for the Cape Town Test.

His return for Baltimore provides Erasmus with another tactical weapon when the series reaches its climax.

Canan Moodie’s hamstring complaint similarly kept the exciting young wing out of recent selections. His pace and finishing ability offer something different to South Africa’s attacking arsenal, and having him available expands Erasmus’s options on the flanks.

All four players flying to Baltimore on Sunday represents a significant boost to squad depth that’s been severely tested throughout the tour.

The FNB challenge first

Before thoughts turn to Baltimore, Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium demands complete focus. The series sits locked at 1-1 after Cape Town’s crucial victory, with everything riding on who claims advantage heading into the American finale.

Kick-off is at 17:10, with both sides knowing that winning in Soweto provides momentum and psychological edge for the series decider.

Erasmus will field his strongest available side for FNB Stadium.

Baltimore beckons

The fourth Test in Baltimore represents new territory for South African rugby. Playing the All Blacks in the United States, before an American audience being courted by both rugby nations, carries significance beyond just the series result.

But sentiment means nothing without victory. And having Pollard, Willemse, Esterhuizen and Moodie available for that crucial encounter significantly strengthens South Africa’s hand.

The cavalry is coming to Baltimore. The All Blacks should be worried.