Rugby - Boks lose Cronje for third test against France

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa scrumhalf Ross Cronje will miss the third test against France at Ellis Park on Saturday as the hosts look to sweep the three-match series and confirm their return to form.

Cronje, who started the first and second test wins, has displayed delayed symptoms of concussion from the 37-15 victory in Durban on Saturday.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, who has cover in the form of Francois Hougaard and Rudy Paige, will not name a replacement, South Africa Rugby said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Coetzee has released centres Lionel Mapoe and Francois Venter to the South African A side that will take on the French Barbarians at the Orlando Stadium on Friday.

That means Jesse Kriel, who sustained concussion in the 37-14 first test win over France, is set to regain his place at outside centre having been passed fit.

Coetzee will name his side on Thursday.

(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed Osmond)