Van den Burg has won 24 caps

Lock Albert van den Berg is recalled for his first Test since December 2001 to replace Gerrie Britz, who broke his nose against the Pacific Islanders.

Scrum-half Fourie du Preez also returns to the starting line-up ahead of Bolla Conradie, who returns to the bench.

Flanker Joe van Niekerk is also set for his first Test since the World Cup after being named as a replacement.

Another change on the bench sees Faan Rautenbach replace CJ van der Linde as propping cover.

Coach Jake White defended his decision to recall Van den Berg, who failed to make the Sharks' Super 12 team this year.

"Albert's played 24 Test matches and has beaten the All Blacks twice - which is a lot more than most players can say," White said.

All Blacks team news

"He has got a job to do and I'm sure that he can do it as well as any other number five jumper could do for us."

White also insisted Van Niekerk is ready to return to the international stage after damaging knee ligaments during the World Cup, despite claims by his Western Province team management that he needs more domestic matches.

"He is a very talented rugby player and I think a guy like Joe doesn't need to play trials every Saturday to show that he can play for the Springboks," White added.

"He has had a rehab programme that he has been working on with his union and at this stage he is fit to play off the bench."

The Springboks, who have won their first four Tests this year under White, have only ever won once in New Zealand in the Tri-Nations, in Wellington in 1998.

South Africa team: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry, Jean de Villiers, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fourie du Preez; Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Albert van den Berg, Schalk Burger, AJ Venter, Jacques Cronje.
Replacements: Brent Russell, Gaffie du Toit, Bolla Conradie, Quinton Davids, Joe van Niekerk, Faan Rautenbach, Danie Coetzee.