Schalk Brits called up to join Bok squad for second Test

Former Western Province hooker, Schalk Brits has been called up to join the Springbok squad for the second Test against England in Bloemfontein.

The home side go into the crucial encounter on Saturday at an advantage, having emerged victorious in the first of three Test to grab a 1-0 lead at Ellis Park over the weekend.

The 37-year-old had hung his boots up following his English side, the Saracens’ Aviva Premiership title triumph over Exeter Chiefs in Twickenham last month, but Springboks director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus believes his experience will prove vital for his charges going into the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.

“We are busy with building experience, continuity and capacity towards the Rugby World Cup, so we want our young players rubbing shoulders with experienced players such as Duane, Vermeulen and Willie le Roux,” explained Erasmus.

“I want Schalk to perform a similar role because he has extensive inside knowledge and plenty of experience from playing for Saracens in the English and European conditions. It’s a great way for our younger guys to learn the trade of international rugby from these guys.”

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Schalk Brits to address the mini-crisis at hooker

Brits inclusion also bulks up the thin reserves in the centre of the front row, with the unavailability of first-choice option, Malcolm Marx who has been ruled out through injury, and veteran Bismarck du Plessis who picked up a knock playing for French outfit, Montpelier in the Top 14 final defeat to Castres earlier this month.

Bongi Mbonambi, who started in the number two jumper on Saturday, gave a good account of himself against the England front row, despite spending much of the Super Rugby season in the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

The only other option at hooker in the setup is the inexperienced Sharks number two, Akker van der Merwe.

Despite finishing his career at the Saracens as a club legend, Brits’ appearances in the green and gold have been few and far in between, as he has managed to pick up just ten caps since making his international debut against Italy in 2008.

Erasmus will name his team for the Bloemfontein Test on Thursday.

Also read: Here’s what Kolisi said to inspire the Boks to a comeback