The Springboks are preparing for one of the biggest fixtures on the rugby calendar, with New Zealand set to visit Ellis Park this Saturday.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to reveal his matchday 23 on Thursday, deliberately keeping the All Blacks guessing for as long as possible.
With Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche both considered injury doubts, Erasmus could be forced into some important changes to his starting XV.
Predicted Springboks XV
15 Damian Willemse
14 Cheslin Kolbe
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Damian de Allende
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
10 Manie Libbok
9 Grant Williams
8 Jasper Wiese
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain)
6 Paul de Villiers
5 Ruan Nortje
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Wilco Louw
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Thomas du Toit
Predicted replacements
16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Kolisi absence could reshape the back row
If Siya Kolisi is ruled out, Paul de Villiers could continue in the openside role after impressing in recent outings.
Pieter-Steph du Toit is also expected to retain the captaincy if Kolisi does not recover in time.
The absence of Ox Nche could create another selection headache. Thomas du Toit is among the options who could be asked to cover loosehead prop, adding another layer of uncertainty to the front row.
Libbok expected to start
Manie Libbok could get the nod at flyhalf, with the goal-kicking responsibilities potentially falling to Cheslin Kolbe once again.
At lock, Ruan Nortje is tipped to start alongside Eben Etzebeth, with Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert potentially limited by a lack of recent game time.
Why are the Springboks waiting until Thursday?
Erasmus has explained that announcing the team later in the week is partly about giving New Zealand the least amount of preparation time possible.
The first Test is scheduled for Saturday at 17:10 at Ellis Park, setting the stage for another blockbuster chapter in the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry.
With injuries clouding the selection picture, Thursday’s announcement could reveal a few surprises.
