De Klerk’s club in England, the Sale Sharks, announced that the halfback will not be made available for the Tests against England, France, Wales, and Scotland.

This leaves the Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, with a lot to ponder about with regards to selecting a South African scrumhalf or an overseas-based player such as Cobus Reinach of the Northampton Saints.

At this stage, it appears that Embrose Papier and Ivan van Zyl are the frontrunners for the tour after being part of the mix since the home series against England.

However, the pair is largely inexperienced and Erasmus may want an older head in the squad, especially one with experience in Europe.

This is where Reinach may just be the man to fill the void left by the unavailability of De Klerk.

Speaking to OFM Sport from Northampton, Reinach, said he will do anything to don the green-and-gold again, and that he is ready to answer the call.

“When I signed with the Saints last year I ensured that I will also be available for Springbok selection. Other than that, who is available and who is not available does not really matter to me.

“My focus has always been to be the best that I can be, and if that is good enough, I am ready.

“During my time that I have played for the Springboks I really learned a lot, and since I have been here in Northampton I have also learned a lot.

“The time that I have been here, has really given me the confidence to play in the conditions that we experience here.”

The Boks tackle England on 3 November at Twickenham in the first Test of the tour.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport