Springboks make nine changes for final tour Test

South Africa have named a heavily rotated squad for their final Test of the year against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, with scrumhalf Cobus Reinach in line to win his 50th cap.

The changes come as several players returned to their clubs due to the fixture falling outside the official international window.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made nine changes to the side that defeated Ireland in Dublin. Despite the absences, the Springboks still field an experienced core, including captain Siya Kolisi, centre Damian de Allende and playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Erasmus praised Reinach’s milestone, calling him “a true team man” who has taken every opportunity presented. Reinach, 35, debuted in 2014 and has remained a key squad member across multiple World Cup cycles.

"Both teams were in a similar situation with regards to the availability of players, but they have a balanced squad with a few seasoned players and several younger guys who will be desperate to make a statement," said Erasmus.

"So, we are expecting them to come out firing and to throw everything at us. This is also the last match of the year for both teams, so there's no doubt they'll give everything to finish their season on a high note and try to improve their world ranking with the RWC draw coming up next week."

South Africa XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp

Reserves: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Zachary Porthen, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Kwagga Smith, 23 Cobus Reinach