Blue Bulls hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, who captained the Springboks against a World XV two years ago, is set to make his comeback from injury in a Carlton Cup match this evening.
Ralepelle has played just a single match in 2008 after picking up successive, unrelated injuries to the same knee which he seriously damaged last year.
The 21-year-old led the Baby Boks to World Championship glory at U-19 level in 2005 before taking the U-21 side to the final of the 2006 tournament in France.
His return is more good news for South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers who has also seen fellow Springboks Jacque Fourie and Fourie du Preez return to action in recent weeks.