The 24-year old, capped three times, has been promoted by head coach Warren Gatland to join fellow Ospreys props Paul James and Adam Jones in the first team and will remain with the squad for their two-Test tour of New Zealand.

And while Cardiff Blues’ John Yapp also lies ahead of Mitchell in the pecking order, forward coach Robin McBryde insists Mitchell will be a valuable addition to the squad.

“Craig knows all about our international environment and has been training with us all week in any case, so his transition will be pretty seamless,” said McBryde.

“His promotion is a continuation of our selection and development policy and having been blooded in USA and Canada and against Samoa this autumn he won’t let anyone down if called upon.

“He will primarily cover Adam Jones’ side of the scrum and, with Paul James pretty comfortable on both sides and John Yapp also with some experience on either side, we think we still have a good balance there.

“Our front row should be an experienced unit, with the likes of Adam and Matthew (Rees) both returning from the Lions tour in the summer with enhanced reputations.

“But the Springboks are by no means short on experience there themselves and with John Smit leading from the front it should be quite a battle.”