South Africa rugby: World Cup winners return to squad for autumn Tests

Erasmus is without second rows Salmaan Moerat (knee) and Lood de Jager (shoulder), scrum-half Faf de Klerk (thigh) and prop Steven Kitshoff (neck).

“There’s no doubt there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately we can only select 34 players,” said Erasmus.

“Damian, Andre and RG all returned to action in the United Rugby Championship and have made a strong statement with their performances, and we all know what a work horse Franco is and the quality he adds to the team.”

Erasmus’ side have lost just two games this season, to Ireland and Argentina, and beat New Zealand twice during their recent Rugby Championship campaign.

“We are under no illusions about the quality of the opposition we will face, and we have experienced first-hand how their home crowds lift them, much like our passionate supporters, so we know what it will take to be successful over there,” added Erasmus.

“Fortunately, we have a squad that believes in themselves and their abilities, and that will be vital as we enter these matches.

“Obviously we’ll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that’s now history, and there’s no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.”