Springbok coach Jake White has made three changes to his starting line-up that demolished England in Bloemfontein. Akona Ndungane returns from injury and both props change for Saturday’s return in Pretoria.
Ashwin Willemse, after a strong showing last week, is unlucky not to get another shot at right wing, but is likely to get some game time coming off the bench.
Akona Ndungane, who showed good form in Europe for the Boks last year, takes back the number 14 jersey.
“Akona has been cleared of his foot injury, and he comes back as he was the man in possession of that spot in the starting line-up,” said White.
White has also selected a powerful set of props who are also known for their ability to carry the ball and their unlikely turn of pace.
CJ van der Linde comes in for BJ Botha and Gurthro Steenkamp for Deon Carstens, who is on the bench.
“BJ has a bump on his shoulder, and we aren’t going to take any risks with him at this stage.
“Deon Carstens can cover both sides of the scrum off the bench, so we are able to add another back to the bench.
“Os could be starting this week, but we have a long term plan with him, and he is likely to play against Samoa.”
White also noted that the influenza virus circulating amongst the squad did not figure in his selection.
Out of the starting line-up, Danie Roussouw and Wynand Olivier both are recovering from slight illness, but White is confident they will be ready for Saturday.
In the event that they are not, White says Pierre Spies and Jaque Fourie would slot in for them in their positions – they have been running there during this week’s training.
The Test is notable for White himself, as he sets a new record of being in charge of the Springboks for 39 Tests, overtaking Nick Mallett.
Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield continue in their record at having appeared as a locking combination for 26 Tests, whilst John Smit continues three records of his own – 40 Tests as captain, 44 consecutive Tests since appearing against Georgia at the 2003 World Cup, and 62 Tests as Springbok hooker.
Bryan Habana needs one try to equal Danie Gerber and Joost van der Westhuizen’s record of four tries against England.
South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Danie Roussouw, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp
Replacements: 16 Gary Botha, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Pierre Spies, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Ashwin Willemse
Date Saturday 2 June
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Joël Jutge (France)
Touch judges: Steve Walsh (New Zealand), Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)
Television match official: Derek Bevan (Wales)