Two-time World Cup winning Springbok Frans Steyn announced his retirement from professional rugby, posting the news on social media.
Eben Etzebeth will make his return from a shoulder injury when he captains the Springboks against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.
Springbok stand-in captain Duane Vermeulen has confronted the reality that his time in green and gold is nearing an end, just like that of most of his 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids said he expected a physical grind against New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland in the second Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
The Springboks will depart for New Zealand on Sunday with a great sense of satisfaction after completing their third biggest victory ever over Australia at Loftus Versfeld.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber on Saturday night named a group of 21 players to join their teammates in New Zealand for next week's second Rugby Championship outing against the All Blacks.