Versatile prop Trevor still in Bok plans, says Bok coach Nienaber as Ox still on the mend

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said versatile prop Trevor Nyakane is still in the selection mix, while powerhouse loosehead prop Retshegofaditswe 'Ox' Nche continues to recover from his pectoral muscle injury.

The 34-year-old Nyakane, probably the best in the world at playing on both sides of the scrum without flinching, hasn't started a Test since the 6 August All-Black encounter in Mbombela where he ended Angus Ta'avao's Test career with a destructive scrumming display.

He came off the bench in the respective 24-8 and 36-20 away Rugby Championship wins against Australia (3 September) and Argentina (17 September).

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The Boks will host Argentina at Ellis Park next week Saturday in what will be their last game at home before the World Cup.

That will be followed by two warm-up games against Argentina (5 August) in Buenos Aires and Wales (19 August) in Cardiff before a neutral against New Zealand at Twickenham on 25 August.

Nyakane was part of the Springboks' year-end touring group but didn't get a game, despite no noticeable fitness issues in the three games he was available for in Dublin, Marseille, and Genoa.

The France-based player couldn't play in the 27-13 win against England as that Test fell outside of the World Rugby Test window, with Thomas du Toit coming in for him.

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Nyakane has been part of the current Rugby Championship squad, but he hasn't played a game yet.

Meanwhile, Bulls loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp was drafted into the squad as cover for the injured Nche, who was ruled out of Test action for six weeks in the lead-up to the Australia