South Africa have brought back two-time Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk to their squad as extra scrum-half cover for the two Rugby Championship matches in New Zealand, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The 33-year-old will join Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Morne van den Berg as scrum-half options for coach Rassie Erasmus. The first Test will be played at Eden Park in Auckland, where the Springboks have not tasted victory since 1937.
Officials also confirmed that experienced hooker Bongi Mbonambi did not travel with the team as he is attending to family matters.
Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are the two hookers available for South Africa in New Zealand. The Springboks will play their second Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on September 13. So far, all four teams in the tournament, including Australia and Argentina, have one win each after two rounds.
FAQ
Why has Faf de Klerk been recalled to the South Africa squad?
Faf de Klerk has been recalled to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming New Zealand Tests, bringing experience and skill at scrum-half.
When will South Africa play their next Test against New Zealand?
The second Test between South Africa and New Zealand is scheduled for September 13 in Wellington.
Who are the other scrum-half options for South Africa?
Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are the other hooker options currently available in the squad.
