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Jean De Villiers is put through his paces at the Aviva Stadium this morning. INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Friends Reunited

De Villiers passed fit

Munster fans will recognise a familiar face at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

FORMER MUNSTER STAR Jean De Villiers will face Ireland in the first game at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow night.

The centre has been passed fit to play for the Boks, giving the injury-hit tourists some relief ahead of their end-of-year tour opener in Dublin.

De Villiers, a former Thomond Park favourite will win his 64th cap after passing a fitness test on a groin injury in Ballsbridge earlier today.

Uncapped back Patrick Lambie, who was on standby to replace de Villiers, is dropped to the bench, but coach Peter de Villiers said it was “a major boost” to have the experienced midfielder available, ESPN report:

We have been hard hit by injuries to our centres so to have Jean available is a major boost. He is an experienced international and is in charge of the backs on tour so it’s great to see him back on the field.

We had made contingency plans, and had trained with them in mind all week, but with Jean’s knowledge of Ireland’s players – having played for Munster – it was important to have him available for this match.

The Western Province midfielder picked up the injury in last weekend’s Currie Cup final loss to the Sharks.