Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has received a huge boost ahead of Friday's clash with France, with Eben Etzebeth returning to the national squad.
The towering lock was initially ruled out of South Africa's Nations Championship tour through injury.
However, the 147-cap veteran has now recovered and will join his teammates in France on Monday.
His return comes at the expense of promising fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed, who has been forced to return home with a shoulder injury.
The 20-year-old missed most of South Africa's training sessions ahead of Saturday's emphatic 66-7 victory over Italy in Turin.
Etzebeth's return is welcome news for Erasmus, with huge Tests against France and Ireland on the horizon.
Rassie Erasmus explains Eben Etzebeth recall
Speaking following the squad announcement on Sunday, Erasmus expressed his disappointment for Ahmed.
"We are very sad for Yaqeen after earning his first call-up to the national squad, but we feel it will be best for him to return to South Africa to recover," he said.
"After being with us for a week, he has a good idea of how we operate and has more insight into our systems, and we are confident that the experience will benefit him immensely as a player going forward."
The Springboks coach also explained why he opted to bring Etzebeth back into the fold.
"With enough backline cover in the squad and a number of versatile players among them, we opted to call up Eben, who will not only bring vast experience to the group at this vital stage of the Nations Championship, but also valuable leadership skills, especially with two important matches against France and Ireland in the next two weeks before the Finals Weekend of the tournament."
Springboks prepare for France showdown
Etzebeth's return gives Erasmus another experienced option in the second row as South Africa prepare for two enormous fixtures.
The 34-year-old is the most-capped player in Springboks history, having made 147 Test appearances.
His physical presence and leadership could prove invaluable against a powerful French pack.
However, his inclusion in Friday's matchday squad is not yet guaranteed.
Erasmus will name his 23-man squad to face France on Monday.
The Springboks head into the contest following their dominant 66-7 victory over Italy, which provided the perfect start to their
