Fit-again enforced Eben Etzebeth has been named as captain for the Springboks crucial Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand on Saturday.

The big lock who was part of the early travelling party to New Zealand will lead a team that shows ten changes from the side that clobbered Australia at Loftus Versfeld.

The only players who retain their places in the starting 15 are the front row of Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe, fullback Willie Le Roux and centre Lukhanyo Am.

Announcing the team Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said: “We planned to select a squad with a few key combinations of players who are fully acclimatised and settled in New Zealand, while also selecting some players who started last week.

“We are pleased with the balance we were able to strike with this squad.

“This allows us to give some players their first taste of international rugby this season alongside a group of players who come off a physical clash against the Wallabies, and we believe this will be beneficial against a top opponent in the All Blacks.”

The team has a very familiar look to it with combinations like wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi, centres Am and Damian de Allende and locks Etzebeth and Lood de Jager all the combinations that started in the World Cup final.

The biggest surprise is probably Damian Willemse getting the nod to start at 10, ahead of Manie Libbock who drops to the bench. In the absence of Handre Pollard, this means the Boks go into the game without a recognized kicker.

Springbok team: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.