The Springboks' World Cup defence will reportedly receive a huge boost with the unlikely return of star first-five Handre Pollard.
The 2019 World Cup winner was originally ruled out of contention for the France tournament due to a calf injury.
But according to multiple South African media outlets, Pollard's cameo for English Premiership side Leicester Tigers this weekend has convinced the 'Boks selectors to fly him across to join the team.
Hooker Malcolm Marx's Cup-ending knee injury has opened up a replacement spot in the squad for Pollard to fill.
The decision comes with a degree of risk, leaving Bongi Mbonambi as the only specialist hooker in the 33-strong group.
Pollard's inclusion is expected to be made official after Monday's (NZ time) match against Romania.
South Africa aren’t likely to risk Pollard in their heavyweight clash with Ireland in Paris, meaning he'd have just the test against Tonga on October 2 to regain match conditioning before the knockout rounds commence.
