WORCESTER Warriors scrum-half Francois Hougaard is in South Africa’s squad for their opening Test against France in Pretoria tomorrow (4pm BST).

Warriors’ talisman has been named as a replacement for the Springboks who will be aiming to make a winning start in the three-Test series.

Hougaard has made 39 appearances for his country, scoring five tries.

Fly-half Elton Jantjies, who was linked with a move to Warriors earlier this year, starts at fly-half for the Springboks.

Under-pressure coach Allister Coetzee oversaw the worst calendar-year record in Springbok history with eight losses in 12 Tests in 2016.

They lost for the first time at home to Ireland, away to Argentina, and to Italy.

After winning three of the first four Tests last year, South Africa lost seven of the remaining eight.

Meanwhile, Warriors hooker Joe Taufete'e is on the bench for USA as they host Ireland at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey tomorrow (9pm BST).

USA take on Ireland and Georgia before meeting Canada in a World Cup 2019 qualifier at the end of this month.