Ruan Pienaar called into Springboks squad

Stormers flanker Luke Watson continues to be overlooked by the South African rugby selectors.

Watson has missed out on the squad of 28 for the upcoming three home Tri-Nations tests.

One of the form players of this year's Super 14 has finally been included, Sharks halfback Ruan Pienaar.

Andre Pretorius returns from injury, with utility back Jean de Villiers also coming back into the squad.

Sharks prop BJ Botha has recovered from neck surgery and could make his test debut against the All Blacks in a few weeks.

The Springboks lost all three of their Tri-Nations matches in Australia and New Zealand, which followed a loss against France in June - their first defeat at home for two years.

They face the All Blacks in Pretoria on Aug. 26 and in Rustenburg on Sept. 2 before completing the competition against Australia in Johannesburg on Sept 9.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD

Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, JP Pietersen, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Andre Pretorius.

Forwards: John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews, Brendon Botha, Jacques Cronje, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johan Muller, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Lawrence Sephaka, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Solly Tyibilika, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk.

- REUTERS, NEWSTALK ZB