Centre Jean de Villiers continued a remarkable recovery from a career-threatening injury when he was picked by South Africa for the first of five pre-Rugby World Cup matches.
The Springboks play a World XV at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday in a non-cap game ahead of the Rugby Championship and World Cup.
De Villiers was included among eight replacements and coach Heyneke Meyer told a media briefing that the centre would play.
There were fears that the 34-year-old South Africa skipper would be forced to retire after suffering a knee dislocation and ligament damage during a defeat to Wales in Cardiff last November.
While his Springbok team-mates played in the Super 15 or for European clubs, De Villiers underwent extensive rehabilitation.
And his determination was rewarded when Meyer gave him a chance to play.
– #Quiz360: WIN a gym membership at FitRepublik
– #360Rugby: England to focus on skill, not size
– RWC: Vermeulen a doubt as No 8 undergoes surgery
“Jean is a massive asset to South African rugby and it is wonderful that we can give him some game time from the bench,” said Meyer.
“His return is testament to his incredible work ethic and profes- sional approach to the game.
“He has put in hours of extra work to get here and is a great example to any player on how to put yourself in the best possible position to recover.”
With De Villiers starting on the bench, the cap- taincy has been given to 38-year-old lock Victor Matfield with scrum- half Ruan Pienaar vice-captain.
