Duane Vermeulen returns to South Africa line-up for Twickenham encounter

South Africa have made a total of seven changes to the startling line-up for the upcoming clash against England to be played at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Players featuring for the European clubs weren't considered as the clubs decided against releasing them with the game on 3rd November falling outside the international window.

Duane Vermeulen, who missed the Rugby Championship campaign has been named at blindside flanker while Siya Kolisi retains his place at openside and Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to lock.

Warren Whiteley has recovered from a groin injury and will form back-row partnership with Vermeulen and Kolisi. Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Frans Malherbe have retained their place in the front-row with Thomas du Toit and Lood de Jager named on the bench.

Damian Willemse makes his first start for South Africa and is named at fullback while there is also return for Sbu Nkosi on the right wing.

“England will be desperate to win this one at Twickenham and they will select a formidable side,” said South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus.

“This match will be a huge tactical affair with much of the outcome depending on how you handle the set phases and kicking game.”

South Africa: Damian Willemse, Sbu Nkosi, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handré Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Warren Whiteley, Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi (c), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, André Esterhuizen