The Springboks will field one of their most-experienced sides when they line up against Scotland in the first of two rugby Test matches against the British side on Saturday.
The team was named on Wednesday morning, while Scotland are expected to name their team later in the day.
As a result, Sharks lock Johann Muller and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier may earn their first Springbok Test rugby caps off the bench after being named in Jake White’s squad of 22 players.
Rather obviously, Coach Jake White has opted for his strongest combination to play the Scots, bringing back Os du Randt, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Fourie du Preez and Breyton Paulse. Also in is Andre Snyman, at left wing.
Clearly with a team that boasts 525 Test caps amongst the starting XV and John Smit back to lead the side for the 27th time, the emphasis is firmly on securing a win and keeping intact the recent run of home-soil Test victories.
Scotland and South Africa will be meeting for the 17th time, but only the fourth clash in this country, all of which Scotland lost.
Both White and Smit are well aware that Scotland pose a great threat this time around after their Six Nations wins against France and England.
Interestingly, fullback Percy Montgomery, who scored 27 points in the ‘unofficial Test’ against the World XV at Ellis park last week, needs the same number again to become the first Springbok to score 600 points in Tests for South Africa.
The referee is Donal Courtney.
At a media briefing, White revealed that with 128 caps between them, the Springboks will be fielding the most capped front-row in South African rugby history.
On the question of Os du Randt, who has played 61 times for South Africa, he said that ”he is ready after injury and that was why we picked him”.
He added that he likened Du Randt to an old diesel tractor that takes time to get going, but once they had applied precautionary measures at team training, they were sure he was ready to do battle once again.
Both White and Smit promised a very different approach against the Scots, as compared with the World XV match, as this is a Test and a win is a vital component in the build-up to the World Cup next year.
Smit said: ”We are ready. We are prepared. The intensity is there and while we know we are in for a tough battle, we have the power up front to subdue and the backs to provide the sparkle.” — Sapa
Team: Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews; Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield; Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Joe van Niekerk; Fourie du Preez, Jaco van der Westhuizen; Andre Snyman, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Breyton Paulse; Percy Montgomery.
Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, Lawrence Sephaka, Johann Muller, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ricky Januarie, Wynand Olivier, Gaffie du Toit.