Coach Rassie Erasmus has reinstated three Springboks to his URC squad ahead of the Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Nelspruit.
The squad has ample cover in the event of injuries, with Erasmus relieved to release forwards Ben-Jason-Dixon and Johan Grobbelaar, as well as back-up Canaan Moody, ahead of the title decider.
The Springboks are free
The trio were released from the squad as the Springboks completed a main training block ahead of Saturday's rematch against Los Pumas at Mbombela Stadium.
Grobler and Moody are both likely to feature for the Bulls in this weekend's United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh at Loftus Versveld after the South African team postponed the season kick-off by a week due to a clash with the Currie Cup final.
Dixon, meanwhile, is unlikely to feature after not being included in the Stormers' travelling squad for this weekend's trip to Ospreys.
“It would have been fantastic if the players who contributed to our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign had stayed with us and taken part in Saturday's match in Nelspruit and it would have been special for them if we had achieved what it took to win the tournament, but it is important that we do our bit to support our national franchise's Vodacom URC campaign,” Erasmus said.
“They have some big games coming up and every point counts in the tournament so I'm sure the players will add immense value to the team.”
Rachie Erasmus was happy to take on Springbok fans' “criticism” after “having a bit of a laugh” at Manie Reebok
Damien Willems returns to Stormers
Meanwhile, the Springboks have strengthened their injury ranks with the return of two-time Rugby World Cup winner Damien Willems from injury ahead of November's international matches against Scotland, England and Wales.
Willemse is the youngest player in history to win two Rugby World Cups, in 2019 and 2023. He played a key role for the Boks at fullback last year, starting all of their knockout matches, but is sidelined with a finger injury.
However, the versatile back has returned to full fitness and has been named in the Stormers' 29-man touring squad by director of rugby John Dobson.
The Stormers will start the season with matches against Ospreys, Zebre Parma and Edinburgh before returning to Cape Town for matches against Munster and Glasgow Warriors before the November break.
The team will also welcome back Ruhan Nel after a long injury absence, while Dave Ewers and youngster Lou Nel are set to make their competitive Stormers debuts.
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