Jordaan, Olivier in Bok squad

Published Jun 13, 2014

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Johannesburg - Paul Jordaan and Wynand Olivier have been called up to the Springbok squad to replace Juan de Jongh and Francois Steyn, the SA Rugby Union (Saru) said on Friday.

The uncapped Jordaan, a former star for the South African under-20 and Springbok Sevens teams, has impressed for the Sharks this season and was drafted in as cover for the Springboks' three-Test series against Wales and Scotland, starting on Saturday.

The move comes on the back De Jongh's withdrawal from the squad, following a severe chest infection earlier this week.

De Jongh was hospitalised for four nights after being admitted on Sunday evening, where he was treated for pneumonia and discharged on Thursday morning.

“Paul has successfully come through the national and provincial ranks and was one of the Sharks' in-form backs on their very successful Australasian tour since he came back from an injury a few weeks ago,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

Olivier, meanwhile, is a veteran of 37 Tests, having made his Test debut in 2006, with his last match in the Green and Gold coming in 2012 against England in Port Elizabeth.

“Wynand's been with us before,” Meyer added.

“He is very experienced and was one of the better players in the World XV team we faced in Cape Town last weekend, while he was also one of the star performers for his club, Montpellier, who finished second in the tough French Top 14 league.”

Earlier this week, Steyn was released from the Springbok squad at his own request, after advising Saru officials that he did not wish to be considered for the Incoming series.

The pair will link up with the squad later on Friday.

Sapa

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