THE biggest surprise when Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer unveils his squad for the southern hemisphere's Four Nations tournament tomorrow will be the inclusion of Lions prop Pat Cilliers.

The uncapped Cilliers has impressed Meyer this season, and his ability to cover both tighthead and loosehead is a valuable asset on the bench.

With Coenie Oosthuizen still injured and Werner Kruger struggling with form, there are no other real contenders for the job. Stormers youngster Frans Malherbe could also be in the frame, but Cilliers is set for an important role in the campaign.

The exact number of players who will be in the coach's first squad for the new competition that includes New Zealand, Australia and newcomers Argentina is not known.

Meyer will name between 30 and 32 players and, injury permitting, the squad will not be different from the one that claimed a 2-0 series win over England in June.

Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow will not be in the group as a shoulder injury is likely to sideline him for six weeks. Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen were also not considered because of injuries.

PROBABLE SQUAD

Forwards: Willem Alberts, Andries Bekker, Pat Cilliers, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Eben Etzebeth, Dean Greyling, Ryan Kankowski, Juandre Kruger, Tendai Mtawarira, Jacques Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe.

Backs: Jean de Villiers (captain), Bjorn Basson, Juan de Jongh, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Zane Kirchner, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak.