Duane Vermeulen returns for South Africa for clash against New Zealand

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made five changes for the second round of the Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand to be played in Johannesburg.

Duane Vermeulen is back in the South Africa's side after recovering from a knee surgery and he joins the back row that also has Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi.

With Kurt-Lee Arendse handed a four-week ban following a red card in the previous game, Jesse Kriel takes his place at right wing with Makazole Mapimpi retaining his place at left.

As Faf de Klerk is undergoing a return to play protocol, Jaden Hendrikse comes at scrum half while the final two changes see Bongi Mbonambi comes in at hooker to replace Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche takes over from Trevor Nyakane at loosehead prop.

“Duane has a massive presence on the field and there is no bigger game for him to make his comeback from injury than facing the All Blacks,” said Nienaber.

“He is an enforcer on attack and defence and we know he will give everything against a physical All Blacks team that are desperate to bounce back strongly from a challenging run of results.

“Jasper is also a warrior, and we know that he will have an equally strong presence when he takes the field.

“Jesse has played over 50 Tests, and he has been waiting in the wings for his chance. He’s played wing for us before, so we know what he can bring to the game, and we are also excited to welcome back Herschel, who has played an immense role to help prepare the playing squad for the last two Tests.”

South Africa XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Reserves: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Willie le Roux