Springbok wing Jongi Nokwe is ready for action and will get the opportunity in Free State’s first warm-up game before the Currie Cup to stake his claim for national selection again.

Nokwe was included by Free State coach Naka Drotské in his strongest possible team for the friendly match against Border in East London.

It is Free State’s last game before they open their Currie Cup campaign against Western Province on July 10.

Nokwe broke his jaw during the Super 14 and had to watch the Cheetahs’ last few matches from the sidelines.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will also be delighted about the wing’s return as JP Pietersen and Akona Ndungane are on the injured list.

Hooker PW van Vuuren will get the opportunity to show what he’s capable of prior to the Currie Cup.

Skipper Badenhorst has a minor calf injury and Adriaan Strauss is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Scrumhalf Tewis de Bruyn will also make his return from a groin injury off the substitute’s bench.

The Free State team:
Hennie Daniller, JW Jonker, Robert Ebersohn, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Louis Strydom, Tertius Carse, Ashley Johnson, Francois Uys, Hendro Scholtz, Waltie Vermeulen, Izak van der Westhuizen, WP Nel, PW van Vuuren, Coenie Oosthuizen. Substitutes: Hans Grobler, Kobus Calldo, David de Villiers, Kabamba Floors, Tewis de Bruyn, Sias Ebersohn, Corné Uys, Philip Snyman.