South Africa loose forwards Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw have been declared fit for the Tri Nations Test against Australia at Kings Park on Saturday.

Spies has been battling to recover from a months-old groin injury while Northern Bulls team-mate Rossouw was on a drip for several days to combat gastroenteritis.

Springbok officials said both players had practised without any ill effects and would be available for selection when coach Peter de Villiers names his starting line-up Thursday.

De Villiers is expected to select Spies at No.8 and versatile Rossouw at blind-side flanker with long-term injury victim Heinrich Brussow returning at open-side after more than a one-year absence from the Test scene.

Back-row forwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski, who were drafted into the squad on Monday as cover, have been released and can play for Free State Cheetahs and Sharks respectively in the Currie Cup this weekend.

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