PICTURE: Vermeulen arrives at Bok practice

Cape Town - Duane Vermeulen has joined up with the Springbok squad in Paris ahead of this weekend's Test against France. 

Having been overlooked in the initial end-of-year squad, the Toulon-based No 8 returned to South Africa last week, but after Saturday's disappointing loss to Ireland and injuries to prop Coenie Oosthuizen and forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, he has now been called up to the national squad. 

READ: Vermeulen called up to Bok squad

The Springboks posted an image of Vermeulen at training on Tuesday and he is expected to go straight into the starting line-up when Allister Coetzee names his side on Thursday. 

Vermeulen has played 37 Test matches for the Boks, the last of which came in June 2016 against Ireland. 

His inclusion for Saturday's Test would likely see Francois Louw move back to flank with Siya Kolisi completing the loose trio. 

The match will kick-off at 21:45 (SA time). 

Duane Vermeulen got straight into at the #Springbok scrum session at the Stade du Saut du Loup after joining the squad in the French capital. #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/URzewVMvrF

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) November 14, 2017