Nokwe on the mend

Jongi Nokwe: On the road to recovery

South Africa and Cheetahs winger Jongi Nokwe's ankle injury should only place him out of action for this Saturday's game against Western Province.

Nokwe incurred the ailment in the act of scoring his fourth try against the Wallabies this weekend.

It was initially feared the injury, which was the same as one that kept him sidelined for a number of months two years ago, was serious.

However, Nokwe and Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske confirmed he would only miss this weekend's clash.

"My ankle already feels much better than it did on Saturday," Nokwe told Die Volksblad.

"I still have some pain, but I can already walk properly. I will see the doctor again on Wednesday, because my ankle is still swollen, but it isn't that serious and it's actually more bruised than anything else."

Drotske said the winger could have been rushed back into the squad if need be, but the Cheetahs didn't want to risk him unnecessarily.

"His chances of playing are equal, but we've decided not to consider him for this weekend," said Drotske.

"We want him to feel positive about his own fitness and to retain his self-confidence of the weekend's Test against Australia. We can rather select him again next week."