Mtawarira recalled for Springbok Tri-Nations squad

Frontrower Tendai Mtawarira was included in the 28-man Springboks squad announced Saturday for the opening Tri-Nations tests in New Zealand and Australia, a day after securing his South African citizenship.

The Zimbabwe-born Mtawarira, nicknamed "Beast" and a crowd favorite for the Durban-based Sharks in Super 14s, has 22 test caps for the Springboks but was in international limbo because he did not have a South African passport.

He was legally resident in South Africa and fulfilled the eligibility criteria of the International Rugby Board but South African rugby officials had been instructed earlier in the month not to select the 24-year-old prop for the initial test squads because of the passport situation.

Mtawarira was granted South African citizenship this week, on residency grounds and after government intervention, and was immediately eligible for a Springboks recall.

Francois Hougaard was also drafted back into the squad, which contained 21 players involved in Saturday's 55-11 win over Italy at East London that secured a 2-0 series victory. Reserve lock Flip van der Merwe, who scored late in the second half against Italy, was the only player from the second-test squad to miss out.

Five players who were involved in the earlier tests against Wales, France and Italy were also selected after coming back from rest or injuries, including vice-captain Victor Matfield, lock Danie Rossouw, backrower Ryan Kankowski, prop CJ van der Linde and fullback Zane Kirchner.

"It's a strong squad," Springboks coach Peter de Villiers said. "We are fortunate to have so many of our frontline players fit and available. There is a very strong core of experience in this group and there are several leaders too."

Among those unavailable for selection due to injury are scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, wingers JP Pietersen and Odwa Ndungane and hooker Bismarck du Plessis. Flanker Juan Smith is absent for personal reasons.

The squad contains 16 forwards and 12 backs, with de Villiers using the defense of the Tri-Nations title as buildup to the defense of its World Cup title in 2011.

"The Tri-Nations is always tough and this year's tournament takes on added significance given that the World Cup is taking place in New Zealand next year," de Villiers said. "We have a tough start with successive matches against New Zealand but we have had a good build-up and we have shown that we can win in New Zealand over the past two seasons.

"However, what happened last year is history and we have to look forward and be ready for a new set of challenges in the 2010 competition."

Inside back Butch James and prop BJ Botha were included in the squad despite playing for European clubs.

The Springboks leave next weekend for New Zealand, where they play the All Blacks at Auckland on July 10 and Wellington on July 17. The third match of the series is against Australia at Brisbane on July 24.

The Springboks then have three consecutive home tests in August and September.

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Squad:

Backs: Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Zane Kirchner, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Morne Steyn.

Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Schalk Burger, Jannie du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde.