Boks forwards head home

Ralepelle: Injury

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South African forwards Chiliboy Ralepelle and Gurthro Steenkamp will return home after they were injured in the Springboks' opening tour match against Leicester.

Stand-in-skipper Ralepelle will see a specialist after the hooker hurt his foot during the Boks 22-17 loss at Welford Road on Friday.

Prop Steenkamp injured his knee, while tighthead counterpart Jannie du Plessis was also doubtful with a hand injury, although there is no sign that he will be joining them on the flight home.

South Africa have called on Free State Cheetahs hooker Adrian Strauss and prop Wian du Preez to come in as replacements for the exiting pair.

Strauss played all five of his Tests as a reserve last year, while du Preez remained uncapped.

Meanwhile Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira will join the Springboks after a u-turn by the South African government saw the Zimbabwean-born prop cleared to play.

Relieved

The Sports Ministry had initially tried to block Mtawarira travelling with the team, citing a clause in the National Sport & Recreation Amendment Act, 2007 which governs the selection of non-South Africans.

The clause demands that the South African Rugby Union provide an explanation to the Minister of Sport for the selection of foreign players.

But Mtawarira's place in the tour squad was confirmed after SARU fulfilled the required protocols, although it remains unclear why his eligibility was only called into question a full 18 months after making his first appearance for the country.

The loosehead, who made a significant contribution during the British Lions and Tri-Nations series victories this year, has appeared 18 times for South Africa since his debut against Wales in June 2008.

"We're relieved that 'Beast' will be available for selection for the Springboks against France in Toulouse on Friday," SARU president Oregan Hoskins said.