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Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer says recalled Fourie du Preez is among the best scrum-halves in the world.
Japan-based Du Preez was at the weekend named in a 30-man South African squad for an August 17 Rugby Championship clash with Argentina in Soweto.
The Suntory Sungoliath half-back will also be available for the other home Championship Tests against Australia and title-holders New Zealand.
Du Preez, 31, last played for the Springboks in a 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals defeat by Australia in Wellington.
He helped South Africa win the international rugby union showcase in France four years earlier with a 15-6 win over England.
“Fourie is a world-class player,” Meyer boasted on Monday, as the team began preparations for the Los Pumas Test at Soccer City stadium.
Du Preez was not present in Johannesburg as he is among nine foreign-based South African stars who will join the green-and-gold squad later.
“I have had a lot of discussions with him and he is keen to play for his country. He remains one of the best scrum-halves in the world,” Meyer said.
“With Francois Hougaard injured we are a little thin on scrum-halves, and I want to take the best to the 2015 World Cup.
“Fourie is a great player who can dictate a game, and a great leader, and I think he can add value to the Springboks.”
Jano Vermaak, a recent signing by French outfit Toulouse from Northern Bulls, and Ruan Pienaar of Irish province Ulster are the other scrum-halves in the squad.
After home and away Tests against Argentina on successive weekends, the Springboks play Australia and New Zealand away.
Home fixtures against the Wallabies and All Blacks complete the six-match southern hemisphere championship schedule.
South Africa also tackle Wales, Scotland and France away in November during a traditional end-of-season tour.
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