The rugby world champions, South Africa, are set to take on the second-ranked Ireland in the first of two test matches in July.
The opening match will take place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced his lineup, with Siya Kolisi, from the side of the scrum, leading the team as captain.
Kolisi is joined in the back row by Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith, who will play at No. 8. Smith secured the starting position over Stormers player Evan Roos, with Jasper Wiese unavailable and Duane Vermeulen now retired.
Handre Pollard has been chosen at flyhalf, paired with Faf de Klerk at scrumhalf. Bongi Mbonambi will start as a hooker, with Malcolm Marx named on the bench.
The starting lineup includes many familiar faces from last year’s World Cup in France, with 15 of the 23 players selected for Saturday’s match having played in the World Cup.
Newer additions to the squad include Salmaan Moerat, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
On the bench, Bulls prop Steenekamp will earn his second Test cap, while Grant Williams and Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who made his debut against Wales two weekends ago, are the only backs replacements.
The team has eight changes from the one that defeated Wales 41-13 in London.
“This is the team we believe will give us the impetus we need against Ireland, who are the second highest-ranked team in the world,” said Erasmus.
“We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level and play against the best teams in the world.”
Springbok starting team:
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Lood de Jager
6. Siya Kolisi (captain)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Kwagga Smith
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Handre Pollard
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Damian de Allende
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Cheslin Kolbe
15. Willie le Roux
Replacements:
16. Malcolm Marx
17. Steven Kitshoff
18. Vincent Koch
19. RG Snyman
20. Franco Mostert
21. Salmaan Moerat
22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
23. Grant Williams
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: The Springboks.
Source: Springboks/X
