Morne Steyn to start

Pienaar twisted his ankle during the Springboks' 28-19 win over New Zealand in Bloemfontein last weekend.

South Africa's only other changes were to their replacements, with fit-again lock Andries Bekker replacing number eight Ryan Kankowski and centre Adrian Jacobs taking Morne Steyn's place on the bench.

"As a precautionary measure the coach and the selectors have deemed it fit to give Ruan Pienaar a rest for the upcoming test," team manager Arthob Petersen said.

"He is a vital component within the strategic approach of the team and it is just a matter of time before he is back in the team."

While Pienaar is known as a running fly-half Morne Steyn (pictured) is more of a kicking number 10, but coach Peter de Villiers said Pienaar's absence would not upset his team's rhythm.

"There will always be injuries so there is no use crying about it. Morne is a very good player, he is a match winner and he has shown that with his franchise side, the Bulls," De Villiers said.

Morne Styen became a hero in South Africa last month when he kicked an injury-time penalty to defeat the British and Irish Lions which secured the Springboks a series win.

John Smit will become the most capped international captain when he runs out in Durban to lead his team for the 60th time.

Smit was more concerned about the challenge that the All Blacks will present.

"An away win in the Tri-nations is reasonably common. What they will bring to Saturday's match is that they will be far better prepared," Smit said.

"Last week they only had a few days in the Republic before they had to play at altitude. Now they have come to a venue that they are comfortable with and familiar with and they have had a week to analyse the game that has passed."

Inside centre Juan De Villiers and wing Bryan Habana will both reach 50 test caps for South Africa on Saturday.

South Africa: 15-Francois Steyn, 14-JP Pietersen, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Bryan Habana, 10- Morne Steyn, 9-Fourie du Preez, 8-Pierre Spies, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Heinrich Brussow, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Bakkies Botha, 3-John Smit, 2-Bismarck du Plessis, 1-Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16-Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17-Jannie du Plessis, 18-Andries Bekker, 19-Danie Rossouw, 20-Ricky Januarie, 21-Adi Jacobs, 22-Wynand Olivier.