Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen has been cleared to play after an examination by a neurosurgeon in Durban on Tuesday.

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Oosthuizen injured his neck during his Test debut for South Africa against England in Durban in June. He spent almost three months doing rehabilitation and returned to action in an Absa Currie Cup match last weekend.

Following the match, Oosthuizen experienced some muscle stiffness and it was decided to send him for a further consultation with a neurosurgeon in Durban, who was in agreement with the previous assessments of his injury.

“We wanted to ensure that we don’t put Coenie at undue risk by playing him,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

“The neurosurgeon is happy with his progress and the scans and has declared him fit to play.”

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was happy with the news.

“Our players are our greatest assets and I’m happy to have Coenie available again this weekend,” said Meyer.

“We will always consider the players’ welfare first which is why we decided to get several opinions on Coenie’s neck.”

The team to face New Zealand in Soweto on Saturday will be named on Wednesday afternoon.