Wales will face three uncapped players when they tangle with South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in the Principality Building Society summer Test (KO 2.30pm).
Juan De Jongh comes in at centre in place of Butch James who has been withdrawn because of contractual issues with wing Gio Aplon and flanker Francois Louw being the other newcomers.
“This is almost unbelievable, but it’s an exciting moment for me too,” said De Jongh. “I feel for Butch, but I must now focus on what the team needs from me on Saturday. It’s good to be playing with experienced players like Ruan and Jaque and my experience playing with Jaque in Vodacom Super 14 will also be a great help.”
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said he was disappointed at the late change but that it provided a great opportunity for the young centre to prove himself.
“This is a great opportunity for Juan, who has had a fantastic Super 14 season. He is a talented player who has held his own in a very tough environment and I have faith in his abilities to make the step up.”
Victor Matfield replaces Andries Bekker in the one other change to the starting line-up named on May 22.
Springboks: 15 Francois Steyn, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Francois Louw , 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit , 1 CJ van der Linde.
Replacements:16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Meyer Bosman, 21 Zane Kirchner, 22 Bjorn Basson
