The Toyota Cheetahs fullback, Clayton Blommetjies, and the Lions flanker, Kwagga Smith, weren’t selected in the squad.

The Stormers flyhalf, Robert du Preez, will don the number ten jersey for the clash, while Akker van der Merwe starts at hooker, with Martin Muller playing in the second row.

Ruan Ackermann, the son of the Lions coach, Johan Ackerman, and the Kings bound prop, Schalk van der Merwe, will be playing off the bench.

Another South African-born player, Reggie Goodes, of the Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes, will start at loosehead prop.

Earlier the Barbarians coach, Robbie Deans, reminded his side that it’s a huge honour to play for the most exclusive club in world rugby.

“We’ve gathered a good group. There is a lot of ambition in the room and there are lots of blokes who understand what the Baabaas is all about.

“It’s very, very special to play with people you normally play against.

“It just captures everything that is great about the game, and it’s a great game.

“It’s one of the greatest games of all.”

The Springboks will be naming their team at 13:00 on Thursday afternoon, and Saturday’s match in London kicks off at 15:00.

Barbarians - 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Jordan Taufua, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Martin Muller, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Reggie Goodes.

Replacements - 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Schalk van der Merwe, 18 Toby Smith, 19 Sam Carter, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Richard Mo’unga, 23 Luke Morahan.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport