Brussow delight at surprise Boks call

HEINRICH BRUSSOW has been added to the South Africa squad as cover for Schalk Burger ahead of Saturday’s first Test against the Lions.

The Cheetahs flanker, who was unlucky to miss out on the initial team list after an outstanding Super 14 season, gets his chance as Burger continues to struggle with a calf injury.

The 22-year-old has played one Test previously when he was a sub against England during South Africa’s end-of-year tour last year and admits he is thrilled with the call.

“I was at home studying when the call came,” he said. “I immediately called my parents and my girlfriend to tell them and they were over the moon.

“I was disappointed to miss out on selection into the original squad, which has a lot of great players, but I am very happy about being called in.”

Brussow made a statement to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers with an outstanding individual display for his province against the Lions in a tour match on June 6.

He added: “It will be great to be part of squad and the Lions series and I am going to grab my chance with both hands.

“Playing the Lions would be a great challenge because they are a very good side.

“The fact that I played against them for the Vodacom Cheetahs will have some benefit for me but, if I am selected, the Test series will be a totally different challenge that will have to be approached with a different mindset.”

De Villiers will announce his team for the Durban encounter today.