The Cheetahs flanker, who was called into the squad less than 24 hours ago as cover for the injured Schalk Burger, will start at blindside alongside his provincial team-mate Juan Smith.

Morne Steyn, the stand-out fly-half from the Super 14, is the only uncapped player in the match 22 but will have to wait for his debut, with the disputed number 10 jersey going to Ruan Pienaar.

The other contested position, full-back, went to Frans Steyn, while the rest of the squad, which will be led by John Smit, is packed with experience.

Sixteen players in the match 22 were in the Springboks’ line-up for their previous Test against England at Twickenham in November last year, while the team includes a combined total of 707 caps.

South Africa team to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Durban on Saturday:

F Steyn (Sharks), JP Pietersen (Sharks), A Jacobs (Sharks), 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: G Steenkamp (Bulls), D Carstens (Sharks), A Bekker (Stormers), D Rossouw (Bulls), E Januarie (Stormers), J Fourie (Lions), M Steyn (Bulls).