South Africa name formidable team to face Wales despite missing influential fly-half

Fly-half Elton Jantjies has been handed a start as South Africa name a strong team to face Wales in Saturday's first Test.

The world champions are without influential outside-half Handre Pollard for the opening Test at Loftus Versfeld after the Leicester-bound 10 joined up late with the Springboks after winning the Top14 with Montpellier last week. Damian Willemse starts at fullback amid a backline packed to the brim with world-class talent.

Wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe, centres Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende, and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk were all starters for the World Cup win in 2019 and the Lions series victory last year. In the front row, Frans Malherbe and Ox Nché will pack down on either side of Bongi Mbonambi, with Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager starting in the second-row.

After injuries to Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi lines up in the back-row alongside Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese. On the bench, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber opts for the familiar 6-2 split - with Salmaan Moerat and Elrigh Louw in line for debuts as replacements.

There's no place in the matchday 23 for uncapped Evan Roos, the Stotmers No. 8 who recently picked up the United Rugby Championship's Breakthrough Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Fan Player of the Season awards. Regardless of Roos' absence, it's a strong side for Wayne Pivac's team to face.

“We have the added advantage of having several players that are quite versatile, so a guy like Damian Willemse for example can cover fly-half and centre in addition to fullback, while Kwagga covers each of the loose forward positions and can even slot in at wing with his Blitzbok experience," said Nienaber after