The 34-year-old scrumhalf came off the bench last weekend to score a try in the Springboks’ 80-31 win over the Barbarians in Gqeberha, but was not included in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the Nations Championship.

However, De Klerk, who will don his Cheetahs socks for the match, is happy to lead the men in black and white.  “This is probably one of the biggest packs I’ve played with, which is a testament to this team. I’m excited to see how they go, and I just want to hopefully get them on the front foot and get them playing through the Welsh. 

‘Great testament to rugby’

“But I do want to see how many kilograms we can rack up on the front row. It will be quite interesting.

“The week has been absolutely fantastic. To meet boys that I’ve played with against, eleven nationalities coming together and bonding so quickly, that’s just a great testament to rugby and the Barbarians.”

Barbarians head coach Scott Robertson said he is pleased to have a player of De Klerk’s quality and experience leading the team.

“We have a group packed with talent, who have come together from all over the world. Faf is such a fierce competitor, he knows how to run a week, so he is driving the boys, but he also fully embraces the Barbarian spirit and hits the right balance.” 

De Klerk’s fellow double world champion Vincent Koch also starts and packs down in a front row with Georgia and Racing 92 tight-head Giorgi Kharaishvili and Dragons RFC hooker Elliot Dee, who faces his fellow countrymen.

Harry Plummer

Australia international Isack Rodda will combine with France enforcer Romain Taofifénua in the second row. Wallabies powerhouse, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, former England international Nathan Hughes and Panasonic Wild Knight Lachlan Boshier form the back row.

De Klerk partners with Clermont’s former New Zealand flyhalf Harry Plummer. Munster’s Alex Nankivell starts for the second consecutive week and combines with Stade Francais star Jeremy Ward, with Virimi Vakatawa moving to the wing.

The 82-cap France international is joined in the back three by Wallaby Andrew Kellaway, who bagged a brace last weekend and Bayonne and France full back Tom Spring. The match on Saturday afternoon kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg