The South African Rugby Union has reached an agreement with the country's Super Rugby teams to limit the game-time of key Springbok players before this year's World Cup.
With the World Cup starting in England in September, the Boks coach Heyneke Meyer is desperate to see the workload reduced for some of his players.
Without naming players, the South African Union confirmed they had reached a blanket agreement with the five South African teams.
No player specified will play more than five Super rugby matches in a row without being given a rest, excluding the playoffs and knockout stages.
The Super Rugby season kicks off on Friday night in Christchurch with the Crusaders against the Melbourne Rebels.