Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been recalled to South Africa’s squad for Tests against Wales and England as new coach Rassie Erasmus named three brothers in a 43-man squad.
Du Plessis, 34, won the last of his 79 caps at the 2015 World Cup but headlines an extensive squad for the Test against the Welsh in Washington DC on Saturday and three home internationals against the touring England team.
The dropping of restrictions on the call-ups of overseas-based players sees halfback Faf de Klerk also return after his move to England last year.
There are 17 uncapped players in the expansive squad which is likely to see a second string head off on a lightning trip to the United States to play Wales while the first XV stay behind to prepare for England.
The new choices include 24-year-old five-eighth Robert du Preez, whose twin younger brothers Dan and Jean-Luc have already been capped by the Springboks. The trio play at the Sharks where their father Robert is the coach.
A new captain is due to be announced on Monday by Erasmus as injury has ruled out both Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth. The 2017 SA Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx is also out.
The four Tests present prop Tendai Mtawarira with a chance to reach the milestone of 100 caps. He has 98.
“The coaching staff has done a lot of preparation and the players’ contribution in this process, during and after our three camps, has been tremendously positive,” said Erasmus in an SA Rugby statement.
“We know Wales and England will be very thorough in their analysis and overall preparation and we have to be ready for them. The players know what we expect of them, and that they will have to work very hard in a short space of time to be ready for the Tests against Wales and England.”
SOUTH AFRICA: * Outside backs: Curwin Bosch, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi * Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Frans Steyn * Five-eighths: Robert du Preez, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard * Halfbacks: Faf de Klerk, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, Cameron Wight * Props: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Tendai Mtawarira, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane *Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis, Bongi Mbonambi, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Akker van der Merwe * Locks: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman * Loose forwards: Nizaam Carr, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siya Kolisi, Oupa Mohoje, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen.