Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has sent a SOS to Bath’s Francois Louw ahead of their clash against world champions New Zealand at Loftus on Saturday.
Louw, who missed the win over Australia in Port Elizabeth last weekend because of club duty in England, has no doubt been called up to help the Boks at the breakdown.
With the Aussies dominating this aspect of the game in PE, South Africa only had youngster Marco van Staden to call on.
Captain Siya Kolisi did manage one great turnover - American football style - when he counter-rucked an Aussie ball.
But the Boks need a bigger presence in this area and that’s where Louw will come in.
Erasmus names his matchday squad for the clash tomorrow.
And the most likely scenario will see Louw pack down at No.8 in place of last weekend’s run-on debutant Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
While Notshe did well with his kick receives, he didn’t have much impact at the breakdown and that might see him relegated to the bench or even miss out on the match 23 completely.
Another overseas pro who was flown in last week was tighthead prop Vincent Koch.
After being overlooked for selection in the Test against Australia, Erasmus should give the 28-year-old a run against New Zealand if the Boks want to maintain a healthy relationship with his English club Saracens.
They play Harlequins in the Premiership this weekend and if Koch is just going to be a spectator again at Loftus, he would no doubt have added more value to his club team.
That might mean that Stormers prop Wilco Louw will lose his place on the bench.