By Herman Mostert.
Rugby World Cup-winning lock Jean Kleyn has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of Sunday’s Test against Scotland in Edinburgh.
Kleyn, 31, comes in for Ruan Nortje, who suffered a leg injury in training on Wednesday. The injury has ruled the Bulls skipper out of the Boks’ three-game UK tour.
Kleyn, who earned his seventh Test cap for South Africa in last year’s Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in Paris, will join the Bok fold for the first time this year.
He was laid low by an eye injury and only returned to action for Irish club Munster in the URC in September.
The injury is a hammer blow for Nortje, who made his mark in the Bok engine room this season as they won the Rugby Championship.
But Kleyn, who also boasts five Test caps for Ireland, will add valuable bulk to the Boks’ lock stocks alongside 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. He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery,” Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said in a statement.
The Bok mentor 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 match-day team to face Scotland on Friday. The Boks will also play England in London (16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (23 November).
Sunday’s Test at Murrayfield kicks off at 18:10 (SA time).
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda 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 (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
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 (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).