Rassie Erasmus cleared to pick Japan-based stars for all five November Tests

South Africa have a busy schedule in November with five games in total, but two of those matches fall outside of World Rugby's international window.

They face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales in the Autumn Nations Series, but only the middle three encounters fall inside the allotted Test period laid out by the governing body.

That means Erasmus needed to get special dispensation to have his foreign-based players made available and, fortunately, the Japanese clubs have reportedly approved their availability.

As a result, the likes of Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe will be eligible to face the Welsh on November 29.

The head coach will also be able to select them for the clash with the Brave Blossoms at the start of the month.

According to Erasmus, that game is specifically designed to give his Japan-based Boks some time on the field ahead of sterner challenges with France, Italy and Ireland.

"The Test against Japan was arranged for the players who are not currently playing in a league and for the players returning from injuries," he said.

Japan are currently led by former Wallabies and England boss Eddie Jones, but he will be assisted by two South Africans in the form of ex-record cap holder Victor Matfield and experienced coach Gary Gold.

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