The former Toyota Cheetahs fullback Willie le Roux is set to earn his 100th Test cap, while three debutants have also been named in the match-day squad. 

Colossal prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, utility forward Cobus Wiese, and winger Ethan Hooker will all make their Test debuts off the bench. The Upington-born Wiese is the younger brother of former Cheetahs No 8, Jasper Wiese, who will once again start at the back of the scrum, having made his return from a neck injury last week.

Jasper Wiese, Rassie Erasmus, and Cobus Wiese. Photo: SA Rugby

In addition, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit will also make his long-awaited return to the national side.

Speaking about Le Roux’s milestone, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said it’s a testament to the player’s contribution to South African rugby.

“Only seven players in Springbok history have played 100 Tests before him, and reaching this milestone is a reflection of the quality and team-first attitude that Willie brings,” said Erasmus.

Pieter-Steph du Toit. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Having worked with him throughout his career, I know he’ll put the team ahead of any personal accolades this weekend. As a squad, we’d love to make it a memorable occasion for him.”

Erasmus also highlighted the special moment of having two Wiese brothers representing the Boks for the first time, something that adds to the occasion.

“It’s always fantastic to see siblings take the field together, and you can sense their excitement ahead of this big moment,” he added. “I’m sure it’ll give them even more motivation heading into the match.”

Thomas du Toit (left) and Salmaan Moerat (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

In other changes for the Test, Manie Libbok, starts at flyhalf, while Grant Williams will serve as his halfback partner. The exciting Sacha Feinburg-Mngomezulu will provide cover off the bench.

Salman Moerat will start at lock, and he takes over the captaincy from the centre, Jesse Kriel who has been rested.

Saturday’s Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 17:10.

Springboks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas du Toit

Replacements – 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker

Italy – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh