Although he was left out of the 30-man Springbok squad for the opening leg of the Rugby Championship Ryan Kankowski might still play later in the tournament.

The Japan-bound number eight was a surprise omission from the squad but Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer said he is working on having Kankowski available to play later in the competition.

"It's a tricky situation for us," he told Supersport

"I did look at Ryan and I think he is probably playing the best rugby of his life.

"We spoke to Ryan, and it was just quite difficult for him to be selected right now. So he wasn't selected for this test series (against Argentina), but we spoke this morning and we are still in contact, and hopefully he will be available going forward," added Meyer.

Meanwhile, Meyer also revealed that he is hoping that Fourie du Preez will be available top play for the Springboks once his new season with his Japanese club starts.

Incumbent Springbok scrum-half Francois Hougaard struggled in stages with his tactical kicking during the recent series against England. This is a facet of play which is very important in Meyer's game-plan.

South Africa start their campaign against Argentina in Cape Town on 18 August before taking on the Pumas in Mendoza a week later.

Although Meyer is set to continue with Hougaard and Morne Steyn as his half-back pairing for the opening matches Meyer hinted that he could make changes if they do fulfill his requirements against Argentina.

"What's important, and I saw it again with the Sharks in the Super Rugby final, is that you need a No 9 and a No 10 who can kick tactically and control the game," said Meyer.

"Morne hasn't played to the best of his ability and the same for Francois, but that is something to work on. I thought hard about the halfbacks, but you do need some continuity.

"I've always believed as a coach that it is your job to improve a player through coaching as it is counter-productive to just pick a different player every week.

"You need continuity. The players know they have to step up to the plate and that I wasn't happy with their performances (against England)."

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