Meyer wanted Kankowski

In-form Sharks loose forward Ryan Kankowski would definitely have featured in the Springbok mix if he was not heading to Japan.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer revealed that he seriously considered the 26-year-old No.8 for the Bok squad that will compete in the inaugural Rugby Championship against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

The Boks get their campaign underway when they host the Pumas at Newlands on August 18 and Meyer named a 30-man squad for the two opening matches - both against the Pumas.

There was a clamour for Kankowski to replace Pierre Spies at No.8 in the Bok team, following his sublime form for the Sharks.

However, having signed to play for Toyota Verblitz in Japan, Kankowski effectively ruled himself out.

"It is a tricky situation," Meyer said in Worcester at the weekend, where he revealed the names of the 30 players that on Monday would start preparation for the opening round of the competition.

"We definitely looked at Ryan [Kankowski], I think he is probably playing the best rugby of his life.

"He was definitely considered and we spoke to Ryan as well, but it is quite difficult now for him to be selected and he is not being considered for this Test series.

"We spoke with him this [Saturday] morning and we will remain in contact - hopefully he will be available going forward."

Kankowski - who goes by a number of interesting nicknames: The Hoff, Definite and Rockstar - has been capped 20 times for his country.

Kankowski was first selected to represent South Africa during the Springboks 2007 end-of-year tour and made a try-scoring Test debut when he came off the bench in the resounding 34-12 victory over Wales.

The tall, strong, pacy and multi-skilled No.8 is also capable of playing on the flank.

He has a natural flair on attack, breaking the line with powerful runs from the back of the scrum, whilst he is unrelenting on defence. He is also an incredibly dangerous runner in open play.

Although possessing the undoubted skills and talent to be a regular international, he has faced stiff opposition from Pierre Spies.

As a result, he has mostly been used as an impact player - with 13 of his 20 Test caps coming as a replacement.

By Jan de Koning, from the Bok camp