Lock Gerhard Mostert will make his Test debut for the Springboks after being named to face the All Blacks in Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash in Wellington.
The 26-year-old, who was called into the squad after second rower Johann Muller was forced home from the tour the 39-20 loss to the Australia in Sydney last Saturday, is one of four changes to the side.
He replaces lock Flip van der Merwe, who was himself sent home with a rib injury sustained in that loss.
Flanker Jean Deysel will make his first start, while Danie Rossouw moves to No.8 with Ashley Johnson dropping to the bench.
In the backs, Patrick Lambie makes the starting 15 for the first time, in place of the injured Gio Aplon at fullback.
Adi Jacobs starts at inside centre with Juan de Jongh moving to five-eighths and Wynand Olivier, who started last week, is on the bench.
“We have had a few injury challenges on this tour and last week was not a good start, but we have learnt from last week’s match,” said head coach Pieter de Villiers.
“There have been some frank exchanges this week and the players know what is expected from them and that this is their opportunity.”
Mostert joined the squad after being summoned from Paris where he has joined Stade Francais after playing for the Sharks in the Super 15 this season.
He was included in the first 45-man squad De Villiers selected as Springboks coach in 2008.
Van der Merwe flew home on Wednesday after damaging a rib against Australia, while Aplon was on the same flight after failing to get over back and shoulder injuries.
The team will be captained for a world record 78th time by John Smit in his 104th Test.
Springboks: Patrick Lambie, Bjorn Basson, Adi Jacobs, Juan de Jongh, Lwazi Mvovo, Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Danie Roussow, Jean Deysel, Deon Stegmann, Alistair Hargreaves, Gerhard Mostert, Werner Kruger, John Smit (capt), Dean Greyling. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, CJ van der Linde, Ryan Kankowski, Ashley Johnson, Charl McLeod, Wynand Olivier, Odwa Ndungane.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have described the players' union call for the board to step down while governance reforms are carried out as a…
I am a rugby fan hanging on by a thread to a game I have followed for over 50 years. It brought immense joy,…
Waratahs' Will Harrison says he has an itch to play for the Wallabies now he's back from a 92-week rehabilitation from multiple knee injuries.…
