Key Bok duo give de Villiers fitness boost

SOUTH AFRICA coach Peter de Villiers is encouraged by the progress made by key duo Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn ahead of the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

The Sharks pair were injured during the latter stages of the Super 14 competition, but appear to be on course to be fit for the first match in Durban on June 20.

De Villiers has taken plenty of positives since the Springboks gathered at camp two weeks ago – not least the return to fitness of Pienaar (ankle) and Steyn (knee).