It was almost apt that the towering Munster lock joined the Boks in Pretoria, where he cut his teeth playing for the Vodacom Bulls, as he aims to stake a claim for a second Rugby World Cup appearance later this year.

The 28-year-old Snyman, who has 23 Test caps to his name, addressed the media at the team hotel on Wednesday, and said he was delighted to be back in the squad.

“It’s special to be back in the squad and to train with the group again after my injuries,” said Snyman.

“It’s an opportunity I won’t take for granted and it’s an honour to be here, and it’s nice knowing how the set-up works as I’ve been here before.”

Snyman was joined in Pretoria by his Munster team-mate Jean Kleyn, who the national coaches started tracking after qualfying for national selection, and who had a stellar season helping his Irish club to clinch the Vodacom United Rugby Championship title.

Snyman said: “Having Jean Kleyn here is also special. He’s had a good season. I think he started every game for Munster.”

Springbok prop Ox Nche, in turn, said having a player of Steven Kitshoff’s calibre in the squad brough the best out of him.

“I don’t see Steven as competition, we try to help one another,” said Nche. “I’ve watched him play for the DHL Stormers and he makes me want to be a better player.”

Nche echoed Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s sentiments that focusing on the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, rather than the Rugby World Cup was vital for the team.

“You have to climb a mountain step by step, and we first have to get through the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and play well in that tournament before we can look ahead,” said Nche.