Looseforwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski were on Monday added to the Springbok squad to cover for a number of injury concerns among back row forwards.
Johnson, who made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney last month, and Kankowski were added as cover for Danie Rossouw and Pierre Spies for the Castle Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Durban on Saturday.
Rossouw joined the squad 24 hours late on Monday after suffering a bout of gastroenteritis. Team doctor, Dr Craig Roberts, said the player would be monitored during the week before a decision on his fitness was made.
Spies is continuing his rehabilitation from a groin injury and was unable to train on Monday.
Three other looseforwards – Schalk Burger (hand), Juan Smith (Achilles) and Willem Alberts (shoulder) are with the squad as part of their rehabilitation. Only Alberts is in contention for selection on Saturday but he too was unable to train on Monday because of back stiffness.
“The majority of the players on the injured list are now recovered although there are some niggles that still need management,” said Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach.
“But we also have a number of short-term issues among the loose forwards that are complicating planning for Saturday.”
The Springbok team for the match is due to be named today.
Revised Springbok Squad for Tests versus Australia (August 13) Mr Price Kings Park, Durban:
BACKS – Province/Club – Caps:
- Gio Aplon – DHL Western Province – 14
- Frans Steyn – Racing Metro, France – 42
- JP Pietersen – The Sharks – 36
- Bryan Habana – DHL Western Province – 68
- Jaque Fourie – DHL Western Province – 62
- Juan de Jongh – DHL Western Province – 8
- Jean de Villiers – DHL Western Province – 67
- Morne Steyn – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 27
- Butch James – MTN Golden Lions – 40
- Ruan Pienaar – Ulster, N Ireland – 49
- Fourie du Preez – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 55
- Francois Hougaard – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 8
FORWARDS
- Pierre Spies – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 40
- Jean Deysel – The Sharks – 3
- Danie Rossouw – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 56
- Ryan Kankowski – The Sharks – 19
- Ashley Johnson – Toyota Free State Cheetahs – 2
- Heinrich Brüssow – Toyota Free State Cheetahs – 13
- Bakkies Botha – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 72
- Victor Matfield – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 105
- Gerhard Mostert – Stade Francais, France – 1
- John Smit (captain) – The Sharks – 104
- Bismarck du Plessis – The Sharks – 36
- Tendai Mtawarira – The Sharks – 26
- Jannie du Plessis – The Sharks – 24
- Gurthrö Steenkamp – Vodacom Blue Bulls – 31
- CJ van der Linde – MTN Golden Lions – 71
