Following the game between Scotland and the South African Springboks, there has been some movements amongst the Springbok player corps.

Fourie du Preez is on his way back to Japan and won’t be available for the France game, in his place Jano Vermaak has been recalled to the Springbok side, from France itself, where he has been in great form.

Injured Frans Malherbe will be replaced by Frik Kirsten who has been called up by Heyneke Meyer.

Francois Louw, who left the field on a stretcher in the Scotland clash with an apparent neck injury looks to be OK for the coming weekend.

Jano Vermaak:

Springbok scrumhalf Jano Vermaak will join the South African touring squad in Paris on Monday as replacement for Fourie du Preez.

Vermaak played three times for the Springboks earlier this year. He made his Test debut in June against Italy in Durban.

Du Preez became a father shortly before the squad departed from South Africa for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour. There were concerns over his availability because of injury, but he was passed fit. It was also agreed with his club that he will be released after the Scotland Test.

“Fourie will be sorely missed as he was man of the match in two of the five Tests he played this season,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“He really put his body on the line the last fortnight, and we are very fortunate though to replace him with another world class player in Ruan Pienaar.

“It was always part of the plans for Jano to join the team for the France week. He needed game time and had stand-out performances for his club in the last couple of weeks. He has been part of the squad before and knows our plans and systems well. He will be used to the conditions in France and I am looking forward to work with him again.”

Du Preez said: “I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had to play for the Springboks this year and I really enjoyed my time with the team. I’d like to thank everyone who made it possible, especially SARU, my family and my club.

“It was wonderful to be part of the team this year, to see how well they operate and to work with a group of committed players and management.”

Frik Kirsten:

The uncapped Frik Kirsten will join the Springboks in Paris after he was called up as injury replacement for Frans Malherbe following South Africa’s 28-0 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.

The national selectors named the 25-year-old Kirsten as the experienced Jannie du Plessis and Pat Cilliers remained unavailable due to injuries. Kirsten will join the Springboks in Paris as soon as possible.

Malherbe, who started in both Test victories on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour against Wales and Scotland, suffered a rib cartilage injury at Murrayfield and was forced to leave the field in the 37th minute.

“We’ve been watching Frik quite closely over the last few seasons and he’s really done very well,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. “He’s played for the SA Under-20 team, took part in one of our training camps last year and was the next player on our standby list.

“I feel sorry for Frans as he’s performed strongly in his two first Tests. He certainly has a great future ahead of him and it was good to see him take the step up to Test match rugby.”

Francois Louw:

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says flank Francois Louw’s injury is unlikely to be as serious as initially feared.

Louw was stretchered from the field in a neck brace four minutes before the end of South Africa’s 28-0 win over Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.

While it initially appeared to be a serious injury, the coach said he expected Louw to recover.

“I’ve spoken to the doctor and it was precautionary. He’s injured his neck but he should be fine. We’re still monitoring him,” Meyer told AFP.

Louw was also spotted giving a “thumbs-up” as he was being stretchered off the Murrayfield pitch.

Prop Frans Malherbe also left the field injured in the 33rd minute with the coach less optimistic about his chances of facing France in Paris this weekend.

“Frans has got a ripped cartilage,” Meyer said. “We’re not sure if he’s going to be fine. The doctor will make a decision tomorrow (Monday) but at this stage we’re not very hopeful that he will be able to continue.”