South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made nine changes from the team that beat Ireland last week to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Erasmus is missing a host of players who have returned to their clubs and provincial unions as the match falls outside the international window.
Newly-crowned World Rugby men's 15s player of the year Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe are all out of contention.
But in a display of the country's strength in depth, Erasmus was able to name a strong match-day 23 to take on Wales.
"We knew from the outset that we would lose players for this match due to their club commitments, and we are pleased with the quality of the team we’ve selected," said Erasmus.
More than 11 years after making his #Springboks debut, Cobus Reinach will reach his 50th Test cap in Cardiff on Saturday, as Rassie Erasmus opts for a 7-1 bench to take on Wales - more here: https://t.co/J5Bigk89Qo 💥#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/sKafIl8mDz
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 27, 2025
"We've been rotating our players throughout the year, and this group has been together for close to five weeks, so many of these combinations are fully settled.
"I'd like to thank the provincial unions and clubs who released these players to represent the country this weekend, so we could field a strong side capable of finishing off our November tour on a high note."
Erasmus added, "We've used a total of 49 players in test matches this season, which is a testament to the depth we have been developing with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup."
There are eight personnel changes and one positional switch from team that defeated Ireland 24-13 in Dublin last week.
The season is not over yet ✅#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/FkUDN9Xq0q
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 27, 2025
Erasmus named Johan Grobbelaar at hooker alongside props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp in the front row. Jean Kleyn partners Ruan Nortje at lock, while skipper Siya Kolisi links up with Casper Wiese and Franco Mostert in the back row.
Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are at half-back, Andre Esterhuizen named in midfield with Damian De Allende. Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker will start on the wings, and Damian Willemse retains the No 15 jersey.
Erasmus opted for a seven-one split in favour of the forwards on the bench, notably including giant lock Eben Etzebeth and three impressive utility forwards in Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon and Kwagga Smith.
Cobus Reinach, in line to win his 50th cap, is the only specialist backline player named on the bench.
DDA is deadly 🔌#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/ilfGmS8x9J
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 26, 2025
"The composition of the bench was a combination of the availability of players we had for this match, but also given how well our pack has performed this season, and we believe it will be a key area of the match on Saturday," Erasmus said.
Erasmus expected Wales to present a stern challenge despite themselves losing 13 players to club duty.
"Both teams were in a similar situation with regards to the availability of players, but they have a balanced squad with a few seasoned players and several younger guys who will be desperate to make a statement," said Erasmus, who has overseen back-to-back World Cup victories for the Boks.
"We are expecting them to come out firing and to throw everything at us. This is also the last match of the year for both teams, so there's no doubt they'll give everything to finish their season on a high note and try to improve their world ranking with the RWC draw coming up next week."
South Africa (15-1)
Damian Willemse; Ethan Hooker, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg; Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (capt); Ruan Nortje, Jean Kleyn; Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Zachary Porthen, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Eben Etzebeth, Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)