Nienaber’s squad featured a strong mix of experience and some of the best up-and-coming young players in the country, while there was disappointment for three of the starting XV from the 32-12 victory over England in Yokohama four years ago who were ruled out by injury and illness.
Making their first appearance at a Rugby World Cup are Ox Nche (prop), Jean Kleyn and Marvin Orie (locks), Marco van Staden and Jasper Wiese (loose forwards), Deon Fourie (utility forward), Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams (scrumhalves), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie (outside backs).
The squad comprises 19 forwards and 14 backline players.
Here is our predicted match-day squad:
Steven Kitshoff
Malcolm Marx
Frans Malherbe
Eben Etzebeth
Marvin Orie
Siya Kolisi (S)
Pieter Steph du Toit
Jasper Wiese
Faf d eKlerk
Manie Libbok
Makazole Mapimpi
Damian de Allende
Jesse Kriel
Cheslin Kolbe
Willie le Roux
Bongi Mbonambi
Ox Nche
Trevor Nyakane
RG Snyman
Duane Vermeulen
Kwagga Smith
Grant Williams
Damian Willemse
