South African Rugby
Brussow and Muller win fitness race
ESPNscrum Staff
July 15, 2011

Springboks duo Johann Muller and Heinrich Brussow have won their race to be fit for the away leg of the Tri-Nations.

Lock Muller and flanker Brussow will hope to line up against Australia on July 23 after they passed a late fitness test on Friday to determine whether they would take part in the tour. The pair sat out training this week as Muller was struggling with a hamstring strain while Brussow has faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. South African coach Peter de Villiers said the duo, along with the rest of the squad, will now get their chance to prove to the selectors they are worthy of a place in the final 30-man World Cup squad.

"Johann and Heinrich are very important to us this year and they'll continue their rehabilitation on tour," said de Villiers. "This squad is a good blend of experienced players, with Rugby World Cup titles behind their name, and the form players from Vodacom Super Rugby, with some outstanding potential. We've had some good field session this week and I'm excited about this tour.

"We've chosen from our Rugby World Cup preliminary squad - so the players know they're in the selectors' thinking for the tournament. I've told them that this is their chance to prove that they're ready to take their place in the final squad."

Also travelling in the squad is World Cup-winning prop CJ Van der Linde , who was added to the group on Monday to provide injury cover in the front row. The Springboks face Australia in Sydney on July 23 before facing New Zealand a week later.

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