Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is impressed by the form Stormers flank Schalk Burger has displayed in this year’s Super Rugby competition and said he would come into consideration for the national team.
Burger, 31, returned to Super Rugby this year after missing most of the past two seasons due to injury and illness.
In an interview, Meyer said Burger’s play this year has really impressed him.
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Meyer said Burger gives them a lot of options and he would definitely be considered for selection.
“He is experienced and is a strong leader,” said Meyer.
Burger has played 68 Tests for the Springboks, but his last came at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
His career was cut short by a knee injury in the first Super Rugby game of 2012, before also being laid low by bacterial meningitis.
He made his return to rugby playing for WP in the Currie Cup in September last year.
Burger captained the Stormers in the absence on the injured Jean de Villiers against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last week and could again lead the team against the Force this week if De Villiers fails to recover from a shoulder niggle.
The Springboks start their year with a game against the World XV at Newlands on 7 June, followed by 2 Tests against Wales (Durban 14 June and Nelspruit 21 June) and 1 against Scotland (Port Elizabeth 28 June).