Louw, Kotze and Zas called up to SA ‘A’ squad in Dublin

Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw, wing Leolin Zas and hooker JJ Kotze have been called up to the South Africa 'A' squad on Friday and will travel to Ireland ahead of the team's two-match tour.

The trio are injury replacements for Sbu Nkosi, Marco van Staden and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Nkosi, Van Staden and Wessels all suffered injuries in the Bulls' United Rugby Championship match last weekend and have been ruled out of the tour.

Louw has been a regular member of the Springbok squad this season, while Zas and Kotze - both former Junior Springbok players - have had a strong presence for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.

The travelling squad will be joined by SA 'A' head coach Mzwandile Stick and SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus as well as five players who are currently in Dublin with the Springboks as they wrap up their preparations for Saturday's Test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

"It is unfortunate for Sbu, Marco, and Jan-Hendrik that they have been ruled out of the tour and I am sure they are very disappointed, but injuries are part of the game," said Stick.

"This has opened the door for Elrigh, Leolin and JJ to get an opportunity to show showcase their skills and I’m sure they’ll want to make the most of this opportunity.

"Elrigh, Marco and Sbu have all been in the national system in the last two seasons, and as coaches we know what we have in them, but their injuries have allowed JJ and Leolin to throw their names into the selection mix less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup.

"We will never complain about that as national coaches as we attempt to cast out net as wide as possible with an eye on the World Cup."

Stick and Erasmus will name the five players that will join them on their trip