Willemse was named in the Springboks starting XV at fullback, at the expense of the experienced campaigner, Willie le Roux.

The teammate of Willemse at the Stormers, Herschel Jantjies, has also earned a start at scrumhalf in the absence of the injured Faf de Klerk.

The exciting playmaker says he wants to make a positive impact.

“It's always a massive honour and privilege every time you play for the Springboks.

“Especially when you play against a side like Wales at the Millennium Stadium, so it's going to be big.

“We are looking forward to it. The weeks preparation is going well so far and we had a good week in Paris as well.

“I'm excited about the opportunity and want to make as positive impact for the team and hopefully it will go well for us this weekend.”

Saturday’s Test at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements - 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport