Openside flanker Heinrich Brussow has been called into the South Africa squad as cover for Schalk Burger, coach Peter de Villiers announced. De Villiers, who will name his side for the first Test tomorrow, is nevertheless confident Burger will be available for selection.
The 22-year-old Brussow, who was impressive for the Free State Cheetahs in their 26-24 defeat to the British and Irish Lions earlier this month, has been added to the squad because of Burger's struggle to overcome a calf injury.
The first Test between South Africa and the Lions takes place in Durban on Saturday
"We brought in Heinrich Brussow this morning to join the squad in case Schalk won't make it but it is only precautionary," De Villiers told a new conference.
"Schalk is one of the players that play a major role in my plans and I build almost 60 percent of whatever we do in the forwards around him so it will be a big blow for us if he doesn't make it. But I am positive that he will make it," De Villiers added.
However, even if Burger does not pass his fitness test Brussow, who has one cap, is not guaranteed of making the starting XV.
"We will announce the side tomorrow but I have got a great belief in a guy like (utility forward) Danie Rossouw. Rossouw is an honest, hard-working rugby player so it will be tough to make that decision," De Villiers said.
