Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made a late change to the squad ahead of Saturday’s Qatar Airways Cup match against the Barbarians in Cape Town.
Regular captain Siya Kolisi has been withdrawn from the team due to injury, prompting a reshuffle in the loose forward department.
Marco van Staden has been called up to replace Kolisi in the starting lineup, where he will join Vincent Tshituka and Jean-Luc du Preez in the back row.
In Kolisi’s absence, experienced centre Jesse Kriel will take over the captaincy. Although the match is unofficial, it marks the first time Kriel will lead the Springboks.
Kriel, who debuted for the national side in 2015, has earned 79 test caps and brings significant experience to the role.