Peter Jooste, convener of the national selection panel, has confirmed on Monday the call-up of Wikus van Heerden to the Springbok squad in place of the injured Pedrie Wannenburg.
Van Heerden, captain of the Golden Lions and the Cats, will join the Springbok camp later on Monday in Johannesburg.
Blue Bulls flanker Wannenburg sustained an ankle injury on Saturday in the Absa Currie Cup final match against the Vodacom Cheetahs in Pretoria.
Van Heerden was on his way to Mozambique for a well-deserved holiday when he received his call to join the Springbok squad.
”Wikus performed consistently well during the Vodacom Super 12 and the Absa Currie Cup competition during the past year. He thoroughly deserves his call-up and now has another chance to prove himself in very good company,” said Jooste.
Van Heerden last played for the Springboks in 2003, when he came on as a first-half replacement for the injured Corne Krige against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
He made his debut against Scotland at the start of the 2003 season in Durban and has represented the Springboks in five Test matches.
The Springboks started their preparations on Monday for upcoming end-of-year Tests against Argentina, Wales and France. The squad leave on Sunday for Argentina. — Sapa