Damian Willemse will make his first start at fullback for the Springboks as coach Rassie Erasmus named a new loose trio for Saturday’s 5 pm Test against England.
At the back of the pack Duane Vermeulen moves to No.7 flank to accommodate Warren Whiteley at eighthman to complete a back row with skipper Siya Kolisi at Twickenham.
This means a return to lock for Pieter-Steph du Toit who lines up alongside Eben Etzebeth in the second row as the Bokke go for a fullhouse of powerhouse forwards.
No.8 Warren Whiteley. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
Willemse is one of three changes in the backline, coming in for Willie le Roux, while Sbu Nkosi returns to right wing in place of Cheslin Kolbe.
Ivan van Zyl make his first start in the No.9 jersey since the Boks’ June US loss to Wales in coach Rassie Erasmus’ first game in charge.
But while scrumhalf and fullback selections look risky, Rassie is keen to see the character of his manne when they face up to Eddie Jones’ manne in conditions that are forecast to be wet and windy.
Duane Vermeulen. Photo: SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPIX
The Bok coach says: “England will be desperate to win this one at Twickenham.
“This match will be a huge tactical affair with much of the outcome depending on how you handle the set phases and kicking game.”
Opposition number Eddie Jones adds: “Against South Africa, you have got the physical battle upfront, and then you have to be tactically smart in how you attack against them.
Siya Kolisi. Photo: CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX
“We need to find ways to gain momentum, then once we find momentum, convert that to points."
England
15 Elliot Daly, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ben Te’o, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell (co-captain), 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Mark Wilson, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Brad Shields, 5 George Kruis, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Dylan Hartley (co-captain), 1 Alec Hepburn.
Replacements:
16 Jamie George, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Zach Mercer, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Manu Tuilagi.
Springboks
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi,10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Warren Whiteley, Duane Vermeulen, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.