De Villiers called into Springbok squad

Western Province centre Jean de Villiers has replaced the injured Gcobani Bobo in South Africa's squad for the Rugby World Cup.

De Villiers made his debut for South Africa against France last November in Marseille, and tore knee ligaments after just eight minutes.

He took six months to recuperate, and has returned to his best form playing for Western Province in the Currie Cup provincial championship. He was man of the match in Saturday's 63-26 defeat of the defending champion Blue Bulls.

Bobo tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Tuesday in the Springboks' practice match against Free State in Bloemfontein.

De Villiers was released from the Springboks' training camp last month in Pretoria to build up his match fitness. He has scored five tries in six matches, and will play for Western Province against the Lions on Saturday, then join the Springboks' camp on Sunday in Durban.

De Villiers, who can play at centre or wing, starred for South Africa when they won the Under-21 World Cup last year.

South Africa open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on October 11.