Ackermann called as cover for injured Botha
Johan Ackermann joined South Africa on Monday as cover in case injured lock Bakkies Botha was unavailable for the Springboks’ season finale against the Barbarians this weekend.
Botha hurt his ankle in the Boks’ 34-12 win over Wales at Cardiff on Saturday.
Ackermann (37) played his 13th and last Test in an 11-year international career against Australia in the Tri-Nations, but missed out on the World Cup champion squad.
Saturday’s match at Twickenham, the last for Jake White as Boks coach, will not award Test caps.
Meanwhile, England hooker Mark Regan was named Barbarians captain by Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan on Monday.
The 22-man invitation squad includes representatives from seven countries, including six from New Zealand.
England fullback Jason Robinson, who thought his shoulder injury in the World Cup final last month would rule him out of the charity match, was confirmed, along with Wales flanker Martyn Williams, who also retired after the World Cup.
Two South Africans, flyhalf Peter Grant and hooker Schalk Brits, were included.
South Africa lead the Barbarians 3-2 since their first match in 1952.
Both teams will name their starting sides on Wednesday.—Sapa-AP
Barbarians:
Backs: Jason Robinson (England), Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), Isoa Neivua (Fiji), Ben Cohen (England), Conrad Smith (New Zealand), Tom Shanklin (Wales), Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), Matt Giteau (Australia), Peter Grant (South Africa), Justin Marshall (New Zealand).
Forwards: Andrew Sheridan (England), Federico Pucciarello (Italy), Salesi Ma’afu (Brumbies), Mark Regan (England), Schalk Brits (Stormers), Brent Cockbain (Wales), Justin Harrison (Australia), Luke Charteris (Wales), Troy Flavell (New Zealand), Jerry Collins (New Zealand), Martyn Williams (Wales), Rocky Elsom (Australia).
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