Pieter-Steph du Toit and Juan de Jongh have been recalled to the Springbok squad for the final two home Tests of 2013, against Australia and New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
Centre De Jongh, who did not travel with the Springboks to Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, is back in the squad. He has been in superb form for the unbeaten DHL Western Province team in the Absa Currie Cup.
That means DHL WP now have five players in the Bok squad – including captain and centre Jean de Villiers who has now earned 91 caps for his country.
The 21-year-old Du Toit, meanwhile, was part of the Springbok squad in June but had to withdraw because of a sternum injury. The powerful lock has completed his rehabilitation and has since played in two full Absa Currie Cup matches for the Sharks.
“It’s great to see Pieter-Steph back in action and I have to commend the Sharks for the good work they’ve done on getting him back to full match fitness,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“He has always been part of our long-term plans and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back into the Springbok fold.
“Juan is an experienced player and will slot back into the squad with ease as we start our preparations for the Test against Australia at DHL Newlands on Saturday.”
The Springbok squad will start preparing for the Test against Australia on Monday in Cape Town. The final round of the 2013 Castle Lager Rugby Championship is on October 5 against New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Springbok squad for the final two Castle Lager Rugby Championship Tests:
Forwards (17): Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Juandré Kruger, Francois Louw, Tendai Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs (13): Bjorn Basson, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (captain), Fourie du Preez, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Zane Kirchner, Patrick Lambie, Willie le Roux, Ruan Pienaar, Jan Serfontein, Morné Steyn, Jano Vermaak.
