Boks bring in World Cup winner after second row blow

SQUAD UPDATE: World Cup-winning lock Jean Kleyn will link up with the Springbok squad on Friday as a replacement for Ruan Nortje who suffered a leg injury in training on Wednesday.

The injury rules Nortje out of the Boks’ outgoing tour.

The 31-year-old Kleyn, who earned his seventh Test cap for the Boks in the World Cup Final against New Zealand in France last year, makes his return to the national team for the first time this season after making a return in the URC in September for Munster following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an eye injury.

Nortje – who made a strong statement in the Boks’ engine room this season which saw him assist the team to the Rugby Championship title – hurt his leg during Wednesday’s field training session.

With only three Test matches on this tour, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus opted to draft Kleyn into the travelling squad.

Kleyn’s international experience with five Test matches to his name for Ireland and seven for the Springbok as well as a RWC title, adds valuable experience to the Bok lock stocks for the tour, where he joins the likes of RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth.

“It’s sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he’s had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad,” said Erasmus.

“He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery.”

Erasmus added: “Ruan’s injury opens the door for Jean to make a return to the national squad for the first time this season, and judging by his performances for Munster since making a comeback to the URC combined with his familiarity of our structures and being a regular in our team last season, we are excited to welcome him back.

“He’s also played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he’s based in Ireland, so he should slot in with ease.”

Erasmus will name his matchday team to face Scotland on Friday.

Revised Springbok squad for the year-end tour

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Heat), Jean Kleyn (Munster), RG Snyman (Leinster).

Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Siya Kolisi (captain, Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (D-Rocks).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Eagles).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).