Bismarck to help lead the Boks
Bismarck du Plessis will be new Springbok captain Jean de Villiers' deputy in the first Test of a three-match series against England in Durban on Saturday.
"We're fortunate to have a strong leadership core in Jean, Bismarck and, if he gets replaced, Adriaan Strauss," Bok coach Heyneke Meyer told a media scrum at the team announcement on Wednesday.
There are three new caps in the starting XV - debutant lock Juandre Kruger and Eben Etzebeth, as well as Sharks flank Marcell Coetzee.
The 21-year-old Coetzee has enjoyed a stand-out season for the Sharks, albeit in the blindside flank position.
Kruger, who accumulated over 50 club caps playing for English side Northampton, has been outstanding for the Bulls this year. His second row partner, Etzebeth, also put his hand up playing for the Stormers in Super Rugby.
Both Etzebeth and Coetzee are still eligible to play Under-21 rugby.
Cheetahs prop Coenie Oosthuizen will also earn his first cap if he comes off the bench.
Another noteworthy selection is that of Zane Kirchner starting at fullback, ahead of Patrick Lambie - who was named on the bench.
Meyer has named JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana on the wings, both of whom have featured at outside centre for their respective franchises - the Sharks and Stormers - this season.
Frans Steyn, who was based in France and will join the Sharks next month, will play at inside centre.
Francois Hougaard will start at scrumhalf, while the more experienced and similarly versatile Ruan Pienaar will provide cover from the bench.
Keegan Daniel's ability to cover all three loose-forward positions sees him included on the bench.
In all, the starting XV boasts a combined total of 458 Test caps.
Only nine players that played in the World Cup quarterfinal against Australia last year have been included in the starting line-up.
"I have faith in the players and the ball is now in their hands to show they have what it takes to perform constantly at this level as we enter a new Springbok era," said Meyer.
South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jean de Villiers (captain), 12 Francois Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcel Coetzee, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis (vice-captain), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Patrick Lambie, 22 Wynand Olivier.
Date: Saturday, June 9
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
TMO: Iain Ramage (Scotland)