Steyn is currently nursing a hamstring injury which, according to Nienaber, is the main reason the two-time World Cup winner wasn’t selected.

While Steyn is in the twilight of his outstanding career, Nienaber said they will be knocking when the need arises to make use of the veteran’s services.

“We had a good conversation with Frans because he is one of our players of national interest (Poni), so he is one who we will hopefully pull into the squad later this year.

“We had an open conversation and we told him to do his rehab and to make sure he is in good physical conditioning.

“Because when we have an injury, we will want to pull him into the squad as soon as possible.”

The Springboks will face Wales on 2 July in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport