Free State Cheetahs openside flanker Heinrich Brüssow is back with the Springboks and looks set to make his international comeback in the 2011 Tri-Nations - at last.
The tough flank, who has had a protracted battle with injuries (knee and hamstring) over the last year, has been called up to join the Springboks squad for their remaining Tri-Nations Tests - against the Wallabies in Durban on August 13 and the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on August 20.
Brüssow came back to the Cheetahs for their Currie Cup match against Western Province on Saturday. He came on after 55 minutes and in his 25-minute playing opportunity showed his class and skill as the home side claimed a hard-fought 28-22 win.
The Springboks are still without three injured loose forwards - Juan Smith (Achilles tendon), Schalk Burger (hand) and Willem Alberts (shoulder). Like Brüssow, they assembled with the other Springboks in Durban on Sunday.
Whilst Brüssow's call-up is understandable, given his quality and the dropping of the Bulls' Deon Stegmann, it does beg the question as to why he toured Australasia with the Boks last month (without playing a match) when it would have been better served had he remained behind in South Africa and playing Currie Cup rugby.
Springbok squad:
(Provinces and Test caps in brackets)
Forwards:
Pierre Spies (Blue Bulls, 40)
Jean Deysel (Sharks, 3)
Danie Rossouw (Blue Bulls, 56)
Heinrich Brüssow Free State Cheetahs, 13)
Bakkies Botha (Blue Bulls, 72)
Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls, 105)
Gerhard Mostert (Stade Français - France, 1)
John Smit (Sharks, 104 - captain)
Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks, 36)
Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks, 26)
Jannie du Plessis (Sharks, 24)
Gurthrö Steenkamp (Blue Bulls, 31)
CJ van der Linde (Golden Lions, 71)
Backs:
Gio Aplon (Western Province, 14)
Frans Steyn (Racing Metro - France, 42)
JP Pietersen (Sharks, 36)
Bryan Habana (Western Province, 68)
Jaque Fourie (Western Province, 62)
Juan de Jongh (Western Province, 8)
Jean de Villiers (Western Province, 67)
Morné Steyn (Blue Bulls, 27)
Butch James (Golden Lions, 40)
Ruan Pienaar (Ulster - N Ireland, 49)
Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls, 55)
Francois Hougaard (Blue Bulls, 8)
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The Barbarians are one of the top invitational rugby sides with a long history and classic rugby jersey.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Lions get ready for their matches with this green training jersey. It's what the players wear. Get in the Gear!
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The Lions are ready to get their Australia tour underway. They arrive in Perth on Monday.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
