Cassiem was one of five Cheetahs included in the squad for the match and along with his captain, Francois Venter and winger Sergeal Petersen, are first time call-ups.

The Springboks have been at camp in Johannesburg since Sunday in preparation for their end-of-year tour to Europe.

Cassiem said without his Cheetahs teammates he wouldn’t have been able to impress the selectors.

 “I need to give credit to the whole squad of 54 players, without them I wouldn’t be sitting here,” said Cassiem.

“I say 54 players because there are players that you don’t see and don’t play but give nothing but there best at practise every day, every week throughout there year, so all credit must go to them.”

Cassiem also believes that Smith’s attacking mind-set made the task at hand much easier.

 “Coach Franco has an attacking mind-set and I’ve just embraced the brand of rugby he wants to play.

“We’ve put that aside for now and focus is on the match against the Baabaas next week.”

The Springboks will depart for London tomorrow night and will face the Baabaas at Wembley next week.

The Boks will also tackle England, Italy and Wales in Tests.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport