Jean De Villiers to return for South Africa against World XV
Tuesday 7 July 2015 12:16, UK
Springbok skipper Jean de Villiers is set to make a return to action just eight months after a knee injury threatened to end his rugby career.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) said the 34-year-old inside centre would be considered for selection when the Springboks team to play a World XV in Cape Town is named on Wednesday.
Reports have hinted at De Villiers coming off the bench during the second half at Newlands stadium for his first match since being injured during a Test defeat by Wales in Cardiff last November.
"Jean has worked incredibly hard with the Springbok and Western Stormers medical teams to regain match fitness," said coach Heyneke Meyer.
"We have got a plan for how to manage his return, which could involve matches for his province as well."
And there was more good news for Meyer as he prepares for a five-match countdown to the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 18 in England.
Centre Lionel Mapoe, fly-half/full-back Patrick Lambie, scrum-half Cobus Reinach, lock Lood de Jager and flanker Schalk Burger have recovered from injuries and can play in Cape Town.
The availability of De Villiers and Mapoe is particularly heartening as Meyer had only two fit centres – Damian de Allende and JP Pietersen – in his original squad.
