South Africa
Andries Bekker back in Springboks mix
ESPN Staff
June 2, 2015
Andries Bekker
Andries Bekker© (Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images)

Veteran lock Andries Bekker could be a surprise inclusion in the Springboks' 31-man World Cup squad.

Bekker last played for South Africa in 2012 and is currently running out for Kobelco Steelers in Japan but he could gatecrash the final squad for the competition later this year. Veteran Victor Matfield is also in the mix and Heyneke Meyer will meet with Bekker this week.

"Andries will be in the mix," said Meyer. "I will be having a one-on-one with Andries and there is a good chance he will be available.

"But players need to show that they are willing to die to play for the Springboks and for the country. It's not always the best players but the players who are willing to put it all on the line and are hungry to win the World Cup - it doesn't matter who it is."

Flip van der Merwe could yet be in the mix while Frans Steyn could yet make a comeback to the Test side though he is currently sidelined with a torn pectoral.

"It is a pity Frans is injured again. I still think he is a world class player," Meyer said. "He has had a tough season - it is a pity he is not available and he has had a lot of injuries."

© ESPN Staff

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