World Cup winning prop CJ van der Linde has been added to a severely depleted South Africa squad for Tri Nations Tests in Australia and New Zealand this month.

The Stormers prop, who can play on either side of the scrum, was drafted in as cover for several injured players among a 27-strong group preparing in Johannesburg this week for the annual southern hemisphere tournament.

Lock Johann Muller and flank Heinrich Brussow were declared fit just hours before the squad left Johannesburg, but coach Peter de Villiers decided to add 2007 World Cup winner Van der Linde as he lacks experienced props.

Looseheads Coenie Oosthuizen and Dean Greyling and tighthead Werner Kruger have never worn the green and gold in a Test and Van der Linde could well don the No.3 jersey against Australia on July 23 in Sydney.

Injuries have severely disrupted the South African Tri Nations build-up with 21 players - including many probable first choices for the World Cup in New Zealand during September and October - ruled out of the away leg.

Australian and New Zealand officials expressed shock at such a large number of injuries while De Villiers insisted those sidelined were genuine casualties after a long, physically draining Super Rugby season.

South Africa squad: Backs: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Adrian Jacobs, Elton Jantjies, Jean de Jongh, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Morne Steyn. Forwards: Heinrich Brussow, Jean Deysel, Deon Greyling, Alistair Hargreaves, Ashley Johnson, Ryan Kankowski, Werner Kruger, CJ van der Linde, Flip van der Merwe, Johann Muller, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (capt), Deon Stegmann, Adriaan Strauss

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