The Springboks picked a competitive side for the season-opening Test, however, it is far from the best possible team.

The bulk of the first-choice players are already en route to New Zealand for next week’s Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland.

The Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said there was no disrespecting the Wallabies in the team selection.

“I can tell you we don’t disrespect them,” said Erasmus who led the Springboks to the 2019 World Cup title.

“What is why we are only letting the guys fly across on Tuesday and Wednesday night, because we want proper preparation.

“We have been preparing for Australia for the past three weeks.

“It is more respect for the competition and not a lack of respect for Australia. We would have no chance at all against New Zealand if we arrive there on a Tuesday, have one training session and play them after playing against a side like Australia.

“I’m pretty sure it will be a very competitive match on Saturday and I’m sure that Eddie Jones will get that.”

Saturday’s Test at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 17:05.

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements - 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport