Du Preez returns to bolster Springboks

Morne Steyn has been included in the 24-man Springbok squad to face the All Blacks and the Wallabies in the home leg of the Tri Nations.

The squad announced on Friday featured nine of the players played in the team that received heavy defeats against Australia and New Zealand.

Sharks flyhalf Patrick Lambie and Bulls hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle are the most notable exclusions.

Meanwhile Ruaan Pienaar can consider himself fortunate to crack another chance after a less than impressive performance down under.

The squad was boosted by the return of a number of experienced campaigners such as Gurthrö Steenkamp, Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez.

“We still have a number of injury concerns but the majority of the players who were in rehabilitation have recovered well and are now available for selection,” said Springbok coach Peter De Villiers in a statement released by SA Rugby Union.

The coach added that Schalk Burger (hand), Juan Smith (Achilles) and Willem Alberts (shoulder) will be part of the squad but are not fit enough to be in contention for the match against Australia.

A fourth loose forward – Heinrich Brüssow – would be assessed with a view to joining the squad, following his planned appearance for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup on Saturday.

Lock forward Johann Muller remains on the injured list and with Andries Bekker ruled out of the Rugby World Cup tournament, Test newcomer Gerhard Mostert is named in the squad. The 26-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand a fortnight ago.

“It’s very satisfying to see that Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha have now largely overcome their injuries but they still require management as we have a shortage of fit locks at the moment,” said de Villiers.

“We also have injury problems among the looseforwards but I am hopeful that all of the four who are not currently in the playing squad will be ready for selection by the time of the World Cup.”

The squad will assemble in Durban on Sunday.

Springboks Tri Nations squad:

Backs:

Gio Aplon, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Morne Steyn, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Francois Hougaard

Forwards:

Pierre Spies, Jean Deysel, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde