Durban - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says it was a tough call to drop Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow but believes the fetcher will be back in future.

Brüssow, a key member of the World Cup squad and viewed as a crucial ball winner for the Springboks at the breakdown, was one of the surprise omissions when Meyer named his squad for the England series on Saturday.

Meyer said he was happy with his selection, and Brüssow's absence was temporary and a tactical adjustment for the England series. The "core" of the players were just for the three Tests against England, Meyer said.

"There'll always be criticism, but I'd like the country to get behind the team. I think this is the best squad going forward, each guy now needs to pick up his hand and show he needs to be in the team.

"Heinrich Brüssow is a brilliant player and I just think it's a matter of time before he is selected again. The game keeps on changing and you need to pick horses for courses. I really feel sorry that he's not in the team, but I also feel happy for the youngsters that have been picked."

Brüssow is a ball fetcher and he was likely dropped due to changes to the rule interpretations that are resulting in more penalties at the breakdown against his type of player.

"That was a tough call because Heinrich is still up with the best opensides in the game, but the game has changed. They're being penalised more and hookers are stealing more ball now," said Meyer.

"If the laws change, which they will, then he'll definitely be in the mix. But at the moment it's up to him to adapt to the laws."

The Springboks take on England in Durban on Saturday, followed by Tests in Johannesbug (June 16) and Port Elizabeth (June 23).

"Obviously they've had a lot of time to prepare and they did really well in the Six Nations," Meyer said of England. "But I really want to focus on our players and the time we've had."