Jaco van der Westhuyzen has been called up to the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad, following the withdrawal through injury of Jean de Villiers. Bok coach Rudolf Straeuli on Thursday confirmed Van der Westhuyzen's call-up to the national team, after he was initially left out of the 30-man squad for the tournament which is to be held in Australia. Van der Westhuyzen's belated call-up comes after he recovered from a knee injury suffered in the Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Cape Town on July 12. The Blue Bulls fullback knows the taste of disappointment, having first lost his place following the injury at Newlands and then getting the news of not making the RWC team, when the squad was announced in Pretoria on August 30. He thus knows exactly what De Villiers is currently going through, after the latter injured his shoulder in a practice match against the Falcons in Springs on Tuesday. De Villiers will be sidelined for six months with the injury, having wrecked his knee ligaments in November 2002 on his Test debut. "My heart goes out to Jean [De Villiers]," Van der Westhuyzen told Jan de Koning on Thursday morning, minutes after his call-up. "I know exactly how he feels. The last three weeks have been the worst of my life, with the thought that I would not be going to the RWC. So, yes, I am thinking of Jean and how he must feel. "But I am very happy to be presented with another opportunity to play for my country, especially at the World Cup. I am grateful to my creator for giving me this chance and must now make the best of it." He had been preparing to play for the Bulls, in an ABSA Currie Cup crunch match against the Lions at Securicor Loftus on Saturday, over the past few days, but now he must suddenly shift his attention to the RWC and packing for a lengthy stay away from home. Not that he has to do too much packing "I was so disappointed when I was left out of the World Cup squad that I did not even unpack my bags," chuckled Van der Westhuyzen. Van der Westhuyzen's inclusion - ahead of the likes of Butch James, Robbie Fleck, Deon Kayser and Brent Russell - came after Straeuli had consulted with the national selectors and his team management on Wednesday after De Villiers had officially been ruled out. "Jaco has been part of the Springbok training group throughout the season and narrowly missed inclusion in the World Cup squad of 30 at the end of August. He is therefore familiar with the squad set up and should settle in quickly," said Straeuli. "We considered the option of calling in a specialist centre, but opted for a player that brings versatility in that he can cover fullback and fly-half, and also offers another kicking option."We have two specialist centres in De Wet Barry and Jorrie Muller. Van der Westhuyzen is expected to join up with the Springbok RWC squad in Durban on Thursday. The Springboks depart for Australia in October 1 and their opening game is against Uruguay in Perth on Saturday, October 11.