The fleet-footed winger Cheslin Kolbe and versatile back Damian Willemse will both earn their 50th Test caps in the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship at Ellis Park.

Erasmus has opted for an experienced line-up for the blockbuster clash, with captain Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks for the 72nd time. The fixture also marks the first Test between South Africa and England at Ellis Park since 2018 – the very venue where Kolisi captained the Springboks for the first time.

Cheslin Kolbe. Photo: X

The Bok coach has largely backed tried-and-tested combinations while selecting a balanced and versatile replacements bench.

The pack features two centurions in Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese complete a formidable loose trio. Ruan Nortjé partners Etzebeth in the second row. Up front, Malcolm Marx starts at hooker between props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit.

The exciting back three sees Kolbe and Willemse joined by Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende continue their established midfield partnership. Manie Libbok gets the nod at flyhalf, with the lively Grant Williams starting at scrumhalf.

Damian Willemse against England. Photo: SA Rugby

The Springboks have again opted for a 5-3 split on the replacements bench. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Zach Porthen provide front-row cover, while Marco van Staden and Cameron Hanekom offer loose-forward options. Hanekom returns to the Springbok match-day squad for the first time since November 2024.

Backline cover comes from Cobus Reinach, André Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie, all of whom bring valuable versatility across several positions.

Erasmus confirmed that utility forward Franco Mostert and lock Lood de Jager were unavailable for selection due to a minor injury and illness, respectively.

Riley Norton has also left the squad after sustaining an injury, while winger Ethan Hooker is expected to join the squad in Johannesburg on Monday after recovering from the shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined since April.

Manie Libbok. Photo: Morgan Piek

Despite naming an experienced outfit, Erasmus expects England to provide one of the Springboks’ toughest tests of the year.

“England are a quality side, and we know they’ll arrive determined to make a strong statement.

“We wanted a squad with plenty of experience, but also players who have shown they are capable of performing at this level. The players have prepared well, and now it’s about producing that effort on the field.”

He added the warm-up fixtures against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe proved valuable, but believes Saturday’s encounter will be a significant step up.

Grant Williams. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Those matches gave several players valuable game time, but this weekend will be completely different. England are a settled side after their Six Nations campaign and, like us, they’ll want to get this competition off to the best possible start. We’re expecting a very physical contest.”

Erasmus also paid tribute to Kolbe and Willemse ahead of their milestone appearances.

“They’ve both been outstanding servants of Springbok rugby and reaching 50 Test caps is a special achievement. We’d love to make it a memorable occasion for them.”

Cobus Reinach. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, he stressed emotion alone would not be enough against a determined England side. 

“We’ll have to be accurate in every area of our game, make the most of our opportunities and start well if we want to come away with the result.”

Saturday’s season-opening Test between the Springboks and England at Ellis Park will kick-off at 17:40.

Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements – 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 André Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg