Jacques Nienaber says that overhauling the entire Springbok lineup won’t compromise their chances of winning a potential series decider against Wales in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

“We are delighted to see these players get an opportunity at this level and I believe if they play to their potential, they will bolster our depth going forward,” said Nienaber.

“They are all very excited at the prospect of wearing the green and gold, but they also know what Wales will bring on the day and that every opportunity will be important.”

Nienaber named two uncapped players in his starting XV and a further four among the replacements as he reshuffled his squad to build depth for the second Test against Wales at Free State Stadium.

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Speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse and rampaging No 8 Evan Roos have been handed starts, while prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, lock Ruan Nortje, utility forward Deon Fourie and scrumhalf Grant Williams could make their debuts off the bench.

“A number of these players have been with us for a few seasons, while others travelled with us last season to Australia for the Rugby Championship and the year-end tour, and then there are a few new faces who showed during the season that they have the potential to rise to this level of the game, so we are excited to see what they can do on Saturday,” the Bok coach said.

On handing the captaincy to Handre Pollard, the Bok coach added: “Handre is one of our most experienced players and has been part of our core leadership group for a number of years now, I’m sure he will slot into the role with ease.”

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Four players in the match-day 23 retained their places in the squad from last week’s 32-29 victory over Wales, including experienced lock Eben Etzebeth, who will earn his 99th cap for South Africa on Saturday. The last match of the series will be played in Cape Town a week later.

Nienaber added: “Wales showed last week that they are fighters and can go for the full 80 minutes and we are expecting nothing different from them this week. This will certainly be a good test for the younger players in the group to measure themselves against some of the best players in Wales, some of whom played for the British & Irish Lions, so everyone knows they will be in for a proper Test on Saturday.”

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