Cape Town - Former Springbok captain John Smit believes veterans Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn could add value to the team in 2019.
Both players were initially part of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' plans in 2018 but were then withdrawn in somewhat mysterious circumstances due to "injuries".
Both ply their trade for French club Montpellier and have not featured for the Springboks for some time.
"I still think they can add value, but both currently play at a club not eager to make its players available. However, I think there will definitely be opportunities for them to play this year," Smit said at a function in Stellenbosch on Tuesday night, as quoted by Netwerk24.
"The question is whether their club will allow them to play and if Rassie wants to use them. But I can't see why he wouldn't want that sort of experience at his disposal. You saw what Frans meant for us in 2007," Smit added, referring to South Africa's World Cup triumph in France in 2007.
Du Plessis, 34, boasts 79 Tests but last played for the Boks at the 2015 World Cup in England, while the 31-year-old Steyn played the last of his 56 Tests against France in Johannesburg in June 2017.