It is believed that the Springboks will spring a few surprise selections for the opening Test of the November tour against Wales on Saturday, with a couple of those in the backline.

The Boks will already be without the injured Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk for the Test in Cardiff, while Sbu Nkosi is also doubtful due to issues with his passport and visa.

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This could open the door for Aphelele Fassi to earn his third Test cap, but the question will be whether that is at fullback or wing. Jesse Kriel could also play on the right wing, where he has previously deputised in his Test career.

The Springboks could also shift Lukhanyo Am to the wing and play Damian Willemse or Frans Steyn at either centre or fullback.

Potential Springbok match-day 23 – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn.

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