De Villiers has decided Pienaar and Steyn will not be required for Saturday's clash with Argentina or the remaining three matches of this year's Tri Nations and Stransky believes it is a risky decision.

"If this is for all four Tests, I am very surprised," said the man who kicked the winning drop-goal for the Boks in the 1995 World Cup Final.

"They are helluva players, and with all the speculation about Ruan Pienaar playing fly-half against Argentina and the important role he plays in the squad I am gobsmacked.

"I know Peter de Villiers is spoilt for choice with the wealth of talented players, but these are really good players."

Prop Gurthro Steenkamp and wing Odwa Ndungane were also sent back to their provinces yesterday as de Villiers cut his squad to just 24 players.