Cape Town - Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the team will welcome the experience of scrumhalf Faf de Klerk when they tackle France in Paris on Saturday.
De Klerk, who plays for Sale Sharks in England, missed last Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham due to the match falling outside World Rugby’s Test window.
But he was recalled to the Bok squad ahead of this weekend’s Test, alongside other overseas-based players Willie le Roux (fullback, Wasps), Cheslin Kolbe (utility back, Toulouse), Franco Mostert (lock, Gloucester), Francois Louw (flank, Bath) and Vincent Koch (prop, Saracens).
De Klerk is expected to take over from Ivan van Zyl in the No 9 on Saturday.
“He is a world-class player. His experience and what he brings to the team is vital. He knows European conditions and I think he will add a lot of value to the team if he gets an opportunity to play this weekend,” Stick told reporters in Paris on Tuesday when probed about what De Klerk could add to the Bok cause.
The 20 Test-capped De Klerk was last week also named as a 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, alongside Bok team-mate Malcolm Marx.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus will name his side on Thursday, with Saturday’s Test scheduled for 22:05 (SA time).