 Van der Westhuyzen is a versatile player |
Full-back Jaco van der Westhuyzen has been called into South Africa's World Cup squad to replace injured centre Jean de Villiers. De Villiers, himself an injury replacement for Gcobani Bobo, was ruled out of the tournament after dislocating a shoulder in South Africa's final warm-up match.
Coach Rudolf Straeuli said: "Jaco has been part of the Springbok training group throughout the season and should settle in quickly."
Van der Westhuyzen is the fifth specialist full-back in the squad although he played at fly-half earlier in his career.
De Villiers' injury leaves the team with only two specialist centres in De Wet Barry and Jorrie Muller, although Werner Greeff and Jaque Fourie have also played in the position.
"We considered the option of calling in a specialist centre," said Straeuli.
"But we opted for a player who can cover full-back and fly-half and also offer another kicking option."
Two other players injured in Tuesday's 74-0 win over provincial side Falcons, half-backs Louis Koen (ankle) and Neil de Kock (sternum), have been given two days off training to recover.
The World Cup starts in Sydney on 10 October.
South Africa's first Pool C match is against Uruguay in Perth the following day.
Backs: De Wet Barry, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Thinus Delport, Neil de Kock, Jaque Fourie, Werner Greeff, Derick Hougaard, Louis Koen, Ricardo Loubscher, Jorrie Muller, Breyton Paulse, Stefan Terblanche, Joost van der Westhuizen, Ashwin Willemse.
Forwards: Richard Bands, Christo Bezuidenhout, Selborne Boome, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Danie Coetzee, Corne Krige (captain), Victor Matfield, Faan Rautenbach, Danie Rossouw, Dale Santon, Hendro Scholtz, Juan Smith, John Smit, Lawrence Sephaka, Joe van Niekerk.
MMIX
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