Kolisi will make his first appearance in the green-and-gold this season after injuring his knee while playing for the Sharks against Munster in the United Rugby Champions.

The 2019 World Cup-winning captain’s return is somewhat miraculous as there were fears that he would not be fit in time for the global showpiece that kicks off in France in September.

While Kolisi hasn’t played, he has been traveling and training with the team over the past few months, and he has finally been cleared to lead the team on Saturday.

Kolbe, who will be playing on the wing this weekend said that having Kolisi back in the mix is massive for the team and his presence does mean a lot for the team.

“It's massive for us as a team to have Siya back in the mix,” said the fleet-footed outside back.

“The way he has set his mind to return to play and focus on his rehab, putting in the extra hours with the physios, just shows what type of person he is and what this team means to him.

“He means a lot to us as players with his experience and the energy he brings - even when he was not playing, he was on the sidelines giving input and helping a lot of the guys.”

Kolbe, who scored a try against England in the 2019 final in Yokohama, Japan, added that with the warm-up Tests the Boks are playing, they will certainly be better prepared this year and give themselves a good opportunity become just the second team to defend the title, and first team to win the World Cup four-times.

“We have got much more depth in the squad than 2019. It is actually scary. If someone gets injured, we know the next guy will come in and fill that role and is capable of doing even better."

“The nice thing about this team is that no one is bigger than the next person. Whoever gets the opportunity to play, we encourage that person to give him confidence and make sure he is well-prepared.”

Saturday's Test between Warren Gatland's recharged Wales and the Springboks at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff kicks off at 16:05.

Wales - 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Mason Grady, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Corey Domachowski.

Replacements - 16 Sam Parry, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Max Llewellyn, 23 Cai Evans.

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements - 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport