World Cup winners Fourie du Preez and Jaque Fourie returned to a 30-man South African squad on Monday for next month’s Test against Argentina and the remaining Tri-nations matches.
Scrumhalf Du Preez and centre Fourie are making their comebacks after missing South Africa’s six previous Tests this year.
Du Preez has fully recovered from a hand injury and made his return to Currie Cup action two weeks ago with the Blue Bulls. Fourie, however, is only partially fit, having strained a groin in a Lions match in July, his first start this season.
Free State speedster Jongi Nokwe, who is yet to play a Test, has also been included in the squad.
Hooker Bismarck du Plessis, suspended for three weeks for carelessly making contact with an opponent’s face in the July 12 victory over New Zealand, returns in place of Schalk Brits, who failed to make an impact in the defeat to Australia a week later.
Scrumhalf Bolla Conradie has also been overlooked.
World Cup-winning captain John Smit is still on a lengthy absence after tearing a groin muscle in the Springboks’ opening Tri-nations match against the All Blacks in Wellington.
South Africa play Argentina in Johannesburg in the Nelson Mandela Tribute Test on August 9, before facing the All Blacks in Cape Town on August 16.
The Springboks complete their Tri-Nations campaign with matches against Australia in Durban and Johannesburg.
Squad:
Backs: Adrian Jacobs, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Enrico Januarie, Fourie du Preez, Francois Steyn, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Percy Montgomery, Peter Grant, Ruan Pienaar. Forwards: Adriaan Strauss, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Brian Mujati, CJ van der Linde, Gurthro Steenkamp, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Luke Watson, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski, Schalk Burger, Tendai Mtawarira, Victor Matfield. — Reuters