Western Province fullback Joe Pietersen has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of their third and final Test against England in Port Elizabeth this weekend.
Pietersen will join the squad on Monday as they prepare for Saturday's encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with injuries to Zane Kirchner (knee) and Pat Lambie (ankle) in the first two Tests.
Utility player Frans Steyn is not available as he gets married, forcing the inclusion of Pietersen.
Pietersen, who had been struggling with a back injury, has been given the all clear by the Western Province medical team to join to Boks on Monday.
“Joe has always been part of our plans and also attended our final Planning Camp in Durban shortly before the England series started,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, in a SA Rugby Union statement on Monday.
“Injuries are part of the game and something you can't plan for, but we always knew Frans was not going to be available for this Test.
“Joe knows our systems and game plans and I'm sure he will slot in easily.”
Lambie and Willem Alberts, who injured knee ligaments in the second Test, both underwent scans in Port Elizabeth.
They have not yet been ruled out of the Test and a further decision on their availability will be made by Wednesday.
“We've decided not to call up a replacement for Willem as we have enough cover amongst the loose forwards in the squad,” Meyer said. – Sapa