Munster’s new recruit, Jean de Villiers, returns to the South African starting line-up for the Springboks opening Tri-Nations match against New Zealand in Bloemfontein on Saturday. De Villiers has agreed to join Munster at the end of this Tri-Nations series.
His inclusion is one of six changes to the side that lost the final Test against the British and Irish Lions at the start of the month with JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Pierre Spies and Bakkies Botha also returning.
Botha is available again following a two-week suspension for his shoulder charge in the second Test against the Lions.
Centre Adrian Jacobs has been forced out of the team to due to injury. The 28-year-old Jacobs has been a favourite of Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, playing in 13 of his 16 tests in charge.
Jacobs was ruled out of South Africa's opening Tri-Nations game after tearing a groin muscle and replaced by Jaque Fourie, who resumes his midfield partnership with de Villiers.
"It was a big setback to lose Adi, as he has been in our plans for a long time," De Villiers told a news conference on Tuesday.
"But with Jaque coming in, our plans won't change that much. They are very similar players and we will look to play a similar style of rugby with Jaque now at number 13."
"I am excited that Jean and Jaque are reunited and I look forward to seeing what they can do."
Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis, who played no part in the Lions series, has been brought into the 22-man squad on the bench as cover for captain John Smit, who will play his first Tri-Nations test in the number three jersey.
New Zealand will name their side tomorrow.
South Africa: F Steyn (Sharks); JP Pietersen (Sharks), J Fourie (Lions), J de Villiers (Stormers), B Habana (Bulls); R Pienaar (Sharks), F du Preez (Bulls); T Mtawarira (Sharks), B du Plessis (Sharks), J Smit (Sharks), B Botha (Bulls), V Matfield (Bulls), H Brussow (Cheetahs), J Smith (Cheetahs), P Spies (Bulls).
Replacements: C Ralepelle (Bulls), J du Plessis (Sharks), D Rossouw (Bulls), R Kankowski (Sharks), R Januarie (Stormers), M Steyn (Bulls), W Olivier (Bulls).
