JOHANNESBURG - Western Province fullback Joe Pietersen has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of their third and final Test against England in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

Pietersen joined the squad yesterday as they prepare for Saturday’s encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as coach Heyne hopes Pieterson’s presence will ease the pressure due the absence of injury-stricken Zane Kirchner (knee) and Pat Lambie (ankle).

Utility player Frans Steyn is not available as he gets married this coming weekend. Pietersen, who had been struggling with a back injury, has been given the all clear by the Western Province medical team to join the Boks yesterday.

“Joe has always been part of our plans and also attended our final Planning Camp in Durban shortly before the England series started,” said coach Heyneke Meyer.

Lambie and Willem Alberts, who injured knee ligaments in the second Test, both underwent scans in Port Elizabeth. They have not yet been ruled out of the Test and a further decision on their availability will be made tomorrow.
  – Nampa/Sapa