Joseph Dweba was left out of the SA A matchday-23 that will face Premiership outfit Bristol Bears in the final midweek clash of the outgoing tour, with DHL Stormers teammates Andre-Hugo Venter starting and JJ Kotze brought in on the bench.

This was despite Dweba coming out of last week’s loss to Munster with plenty of credit as he nailed every one of his lineout throws and also carried strongly in the loose.

“Joseph Dweba is on standby for the Springboks,” coach Mzwandile Stick explained during the team announcement press conference on Monday.

“Malcolm Marx has a knock, so the Springboks have Dweba on standby. JJ Kotze was not involved last week, so it’s only fair to give him game time.”

The Springboks take on Italy in Genoa on Saturday, which could be Dweba’s first test since the 25-17 loss to the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship.

Another surprise call in the SA A starting lineup has seen Marco van Staden return to fitness, despite originally being ruled out of the tour with a rib injury.

Van Staden has come straight into the number six jersey, with Phepsi Buthelezi dropping to the bench as a result.

“Marco was supposed to be in the Bok squad. He has recovered well, we had a report from the medical doctor that he was able to play. It was an easy decision to select him.

“It’s always nice to have him. Phepsi did a great job at openside. Marco has fully recovered. If it wasn’t for injury, he would have played last week. He played in England last year so he knows the conditions very well. He will put pressure on the opposition breakdown and will be massive on defence.”