Flanker Heinrich Brussow has been added to the South African squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations matches against Australia and New Zealand.

The Cheetahs open-side loose forward, who has barely played during the past 18 months because of various injuries, impressed as a second-half replacement in a Currie Cup match Saturday.

His addition will be welcomed by coach Peter de Villiers as his original 12-strong pack for the two southern hemisphere championship games included only one specialist flank in blind-sider Jean Deysel.

Newcomer Brussow was a revelation during the 2009 Test season with his scavenging triggering numerous turnovers as South Africa topped the Tri-Nations table and won a three-match series against the British and Irish Lions.

Back-row injuries are a major concern just over a month before the Sprinboks begin their defence of the Rugby World Cup against Wales in New Zealand, with Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen sidelined.

Burger (hand injury), Smith (Achilles) and Alberts (shoulder) will join the squad in Indian Ocean city Durban this week to continue rehabilitation work before the August 23 announcement of the 30-man World Cup squad.

South Africa face Australia on August 13 at Kings Park in Durban and Tri-Nations title holders New Zealand one week later at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

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