Coming into their match against Australia, the South Africa national team replaced three starters from their roster, and switched two players from their positions, which featured in against Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Aug 25, according to Springbok mentor Heyneke Meyer.

Bismarck du Plessis and Flip van der Merwe will replace Adriaan Strauss and Juandré Kruger as hooker and lock, respectively.

While Willie le Roux takes the place of Bjorn Basson at right wing. Bryan Habana shifts over to the left, and Zane Kirchner will hold the fullback position.

"A few of these changes are purely rotational in order to give guys with fresh legs a go, while others are simply a case of horses for courses," Meyer told sarugby.net.

"We're fortunate to be in a position to rotate players of the calibre of Bismarck and Adriaan, while we felt this was the right opportunity to give Flip and Zane a go in the starting team."

"In the end, the most important factor still remains consistency in selection. In our squad, any player can slot in at any stage, and that is a good position to be in."

In spite of being undefeated and on top of the standings, Meyer is still wary of the capabilities of the Australian team and regards them as one tough adversary.

"If we are going to progress as a team, we need to start winning away from home and Saturday's Test provides this challenge," said Meyer.

"It's no use looking at history now - we have to focus on the Test, ensure we tick the right boxes and improve in the areas where we let ourselves down in Mendoza."

The Springboks will play the Wallabies on Saturday (20:05 AEST) at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

South Africa roster:

Starters

15 Zane Kirchner, 24 caps
14 Willie le Roux, 5
13 JJ Engelbrecht, 6
12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 89
11 Bryan Habana, 88
10 Morné Steyn, 47
9 Ruan Pienaar, 68
8 Duane Vermeulen, 9
7 Willem Alberts, 23
6 Francois Louw, 21
5 Flip van der Merwe, 28
4 Eben Etzebeth, 16
3 Jannie du Plessis, 47
2 Bismarck du Plessis, 50
1 Tendai Mtawarira, 46

Bench:
16 Adriaan Strauss, 26
17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 42
18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 7
19 Juandré Kruger, 13
20 Siya Kolisi, 4
21 Jano Vermaak, 1
22 Pat Lambie, 25
23 Jan Serfontein, 5

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