Kankowski lined up for the Springboks in their loss to New Zealand at the end of July © Getty Images

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News: Brussow and Du Preez back for Boks

News: Springboks duo released from squad

Back-row duo Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski have been added to the Springboks squad for their match against Australia on Saturday.

Their inclusion has been put down to concerns over the fitness of Danie Rossouw and Pierre Spies. And the Springboks bolstered their back-row resources yesterday with a recall for star fetcher Heinrich Brussow.

Rossouw is currently suffering from gastroenteritis with team doctor - Dr Craig Roberts - monitoring his condition during the week. Spies meanwhile has been struggling with a groin injury and sat out training on Monday.

Three other loose forwards are with the Springboks squad but only as part of their rehabilitation with Schalk Burger struggling with a hand injury, Juan Smith with Achilles troubles and Willem Alberts receiving treatment for a shoulder injury. Of the three Alberts looks the most likely to play on Saturday but he too was unable to train on Monday.

Ahead of Tuesday's squad announcement, Springboks coach Peter de Villiers said: "The majority of the players on the injured list are now recovered although there are some niggles that still need management. But we also have a number of short-term issues among the loose forwards that are complicating planning for Saturday."

South Africa squad (revised):

Backs: Gio Aplon, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Morne Steyn, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Francois Hougaard.

Forwards: Pierre Spies, Jean Deysel, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield Gerhard Mostert, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Ashley Johnson, Ryan Kankowski, Heinrich Brüssow.