The Springboks have been forced into a late change to their squad for their end-of-year tour to Europe as star utility back Damian Willemse has been replaced by Bulls number eight Cameron Hanekom due to injury.

Hanekom, who is a former Springboks U20 representative and one of the rising stars of the South African game, has been in superb form for the Bulls this year, and attended some Springbok alignment camps earlier in the season.

Willemse sustained a groin injury while scoring a try in the Stormers‘ 28-17 loss to Glasgow Warriors in their Round Six United Rugby Championship clash in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

That means the Springboks squad for their Tests against Scotland, England and Wales now includes 20 forwards and 15 backs.

Second withdrawal from Springbok squad

Willemse is the second player to withdraw from the European tour and follows utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ departure earlier this week due to an ankle injury, which resulted in the call-ups of Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Wilco Louw (prop).

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that although the loss of Willemse is a setback, Hanekom’s call-up is richly deserved as he has played well over the last season.

“Damian has been in great form the DHL Stormers since returning from injury and we feel for him after missing out on all 10 Test matches this season due to a finger injury,” said Erasmus.

“But as was the case with Wilco and Johan’s call-up, we are excited to see what Cameron brings to the team. He was in the group of players included in our alignment camps earlier in the year, so he’s familiar with some of our structures and the Springbok ethos, and we have no doubt he will grab this opportunity with both hands.”

Erasmus added: “We are comfortable with the depth and versatility we have among the backs in the squad, so we decided to include another forward to add to our loose forward stocks.”

The Springboks will head to a training camp in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands situated between England and France, on Sunday, October 27. The Bok squad will then travel to Edinburgh on Sunday, November 3.

South Africa take Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, November 10, England in London on Saturday, November 16 and Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, November 23.

Springboks squad for the end-of-year tour

Forwards (20): Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (c), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese

Backs (15): Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie