Morné back with Boks

Morné Steyn has been called up to the Springbok squad as a replacement for Pat Lambie.

Lambie, who suffered a concussion against Ireland at Newlands, will take a mandatory one-week break and miss the second Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Lambie underwent precautionary scans on Sunday, which proved normal, and he was examined for a third time on Monday morning by Springbok team doctor, Konrad von Hagen. The player has already returned to his home in Durban.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said Steyn, who has 60 Test caps, was always in his plans as a flyhalf replacement option in the event of injury to one of the three flyhalves in the squad. Handré Pollard, another Bok regular at No 10, is also injured at the moment.

'I made it clear we would definitely consider Morné as a replacement option because of his vast experience, and I would therefore not hesitate to draft him into the match-day squad,' explained Coetzee.

'Garth April is still a talented young man and was selected to learn and to develop. It is his first year in Super Rugby and his involvement with the squad will benefit him in the long run. Pat will return home for this week and we want to wish him well with his recovery.'

Meanwhile, Coetzee confirmed the full squad will remain in camp for the entire week. Last week, the Springboks released four squad members to the SA A team for their clash against the England Saxons in Bloemfontein.

'All our players will stay with us for this week  as SA A coach Johan Ackermann has requested to give playing opportunities to more members of his squad. Our players will be on standby should they be needed on short notice.'

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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