Van der Westhuizen last skippered South Africa in 1999

Scrum half Van der Westhuizen, who is also his country's leading try scorer with 35 tries in 79 Test appearances, leads the side in the absence of the injured Corne Krige.

The 32-year-old last played for the Springboks against the USA at the end of 2001 and last captained the team during the 1999 World Cup.

Coach Rudolf Straeuli confirmed that Krige would captain the World Cup team later this year but was not considered because of a knee problem.

"Many of the selections were influenced by player unavailability because of injury," Straeuli said.

"However, the selectors feel that the 24 chosen are the best available.

"My emphasis was on experience and where possible the World Cup squad selection.

Centre Gcobani Bobo, tighthead prop Richard Bands, hooker Hanyane Shimange and flanks Wickus van Heerden and Jaun Smith are called up for the first time.

Scotland squad for South Africa tour

Straeuli has also recalled prop Robbie Kempson and fullback Jaco van der Westhuyzen who last appeared in 2001.

Flyhalf Louis Koen, who was South Africa's top scorer in the Super 12 with 139 points earns a recall, while centre Trevor Halstead and lock Selborne Boome also return after nearly two years out.

The squad for the first Test against Scotland in Durban on 7 June will be trimmed to 22 two days before the match.

South Africa squad:

Backs - Gcobani Bobo, Craig Davidson, Trevor Halstead, Marius Joubert, Louis Koen, Ricardo Loubscher, Pieter Rossouw, Andre Snyman, Stefan Terblanche, Joost van der Westhuizen (captain), Jaco van der Westhuyzen.
Forwards - Richard Bands, Selborne Boome, Bakkies Botha, Danie Coetzee, Hendrik Gerber, Robbie Kempson, Victor Matfield, Lawrence Sephaka, Hanyani Shimange, Jaun Smith, Wickus van Heerden, Cobus Visagie, Pedrie Wannenburg.