CAPE TOWN - South Africa have named an under-strength squad for their two Tri-nations tests in Australia and New Zealand next month.
English-based prop Cobus Visagie was recalled while three uncapped players were named in a 28-man squad announced on Monday (NZ time) by South Africa rugby.
Thedu Plessis brothers Bismarck (hooker) and Jannie (prop) and first five-eighths Peter Grant are the uncapped players.
Flanker Luke Watson, who was added to the first squad of the season by the South Africa Rugby union president Regan Hoskins, was also named in the party.
Only four starters from the opening two Tri-nations tests and three replacements have been included.
Hooker Gary Botha, halfback Ruan Pienaar, wing JP Pietersen and No 8 Bob Skinstad started Sunday's 26-21 defeat by New Zealand in Durban because of injuries to other players.
Lock Johann Muller, centre Wynand Olivier and flanker Pedrie Wannenburg made replacement appearances.
None of them would be in Springbok coach Jake White's strongest team.
Among those left behind to begin preparations for the Rugby World Cup are captain John Smit, lock Victor Matfield, loose forward Schalk Burger and wing Bryan Habana.
No captain was named for the squad.
The Springboks lead the Tri-nations standings with five points after two matches but have played one game more than their opponents.
South Africa Backs: Tonderai Chavhanga, Michael Claassens, Bolla Conradie, Bevin Fortuin, Peter Grant, Derick Hougaard, Wayne Julies, Waylon Murray, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jaco Pretorius
Forwards: Johan Ackermann, Eddie Andrews, Gary Botha, Deon Carstens, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Hilton Lobberts, Johann Muller, Bob Skinstad, Albert van den Berg, Wikus van Heerden, AJ Venter, Cobus Visagie, Pedrie Wannenburg, Luke Watson.
