Fullback Aphelele Fassi has earned a start in the most important match of his career as the Springboks face their perennial rivals, the All Blacks, in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids revealed that South Africa may have to face New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday without a few key stars.
New Zeland prop Ethan de Groot will not travel to South Africa for back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests after suffering an injury.
New Zealand have been dealt a blow with the news that Leon MacDonald has departed the set-up ahead of their double-header against the Springboks in South Africa.
Calf injuries will prevent lock Patrick Tuipulotu and outside back Stephen Perofeta from travelling with the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad to South Africa.
Taking their opportunities and thriving in wet conditions allowed the All Blacks a confidence-boosting win ahead of their next Rugby Championship assignment – two Tests in South Africa.