DHL Western Province prop Frans Malherbe will join the Springbok squad in Edinburgh as a replacement for Sharks front rower Beast Mtawarira, who has been sent home after suffering mild heart palpitations.

This follows Mtawarira’s withdrawal from Saturday’s Test against Ireland as a precautionary measure, after he had a recurrence of mild heart palpitations that morning.

“We’ve consulted with Beast and his cardiologist in Durban and although it’s safe for him to play, we decided it would be best for him to return home and rest,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“The player’s welfare is the most important consideration at this stage,” added Meyer, whose Bok side beat Ireland 16-12 in Dublin at the weekend.

It is the second time this season that Malherbe will link up with the Springboks abroad, having spent a week with the Rugby Championship squad in Australasia a few months ago. Since then, Malherbe helped WP to the 2012 Absa Currie Cup title.

The decision to bring in Malherbe, who is a tighthead prop, was taken as Jannie du Plessis has a mild ankle sprain he sustained in the Test victory over Ireland last Saturday.

Gurthro Steenkamp should be available for selection this weekend after missing the Ireland Test due to injury. CJ van der Linde and Heinke van der Merwe (who were part of the 22-man squad against the Irish) can also be used at loosehead, while Du Plessis, Malherbe, Van der Linde and new DHL WP signing Pat Cilliers are all options at tighthead. Cilliers, of course, can also pack down at loosehead.

Malherbe, 21, will join the Springboks on Wednesday in Edinburgh, where they are preparing for Saturday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.