The world champion Springboks have received a major boost as they attempt to snap a nine year drought on Australian soil against the Wallabies.
Cult hero halfback Faf de Klerk has been named in the starting lineup after making a full recovery from a nasty clash with All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke earlier this month.
De Klerk was stretchered off the Mbombela Stadium playing surface but after missing the following Test at Ellis Park he has completed the concussion return to play protocols.
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The No.9 replaces Jaden Hendrikse in the starting lineup while winger Warrick Gelant comes in for Jesse Kriel (concussion) in the only other change to the run-on side.
The Springboks also sprung a minor surprise by reverting to a more traditional five forward, three back split on their bench for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash at Adelaide Oval.
South Africa have often preferred to try and monster their opponents with six impact forwards in recent seasons.
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“We looked at what Australia will bring to the game, and that combined with our need to give Elton (Jantjies) and Frans Steyn some vital game time, prompted us to select five forwards and three backs on the bench,” coach Jacques Nienaber said.
“Australia are always a tough force at home and the fact that we haven’t beaten them here since 2013 is evidence of that.
“Much like us, they will also want to bounce back after going down against Argentina, so we expect them to come out firing.
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“The fact that this will be the first Test between the teams in Adelaide will serve as extra motivation for both teams this weekend, so we are preparing for another epic encounter against them.
“We had a thorough review of our last match against New Zealand, and we have identified the areas of our game in which we need improve.
“We know we need to make a big step up in the quality of our performance to start the tour on a positive note, and that is a big objective for us this weekend.”
SPRINGBOKS (15-1): Damian Willemse, Warrick Gelant, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche
Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn
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