South Africa have brought back their big guns for their World Cup quarter-final clash with Japan.
Rassie Erasmus names the same 23 that beat Italy in the Springboks’ penultimate pool game.
Aiming to counter Japan’s speed in attack, it is a powerful South African side, with captain Siya Kolisi continuing at openside flanker.
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Damian de Allende is the only other player to retain their place from the comfortable win over Canada that secured second spot behind New Zealand in Pool B.
In-form Bongi Mbonambi retains his place at hooker ahead of Malcolm Marx, with Tendai Mtarawira and Frans Malherbe the props.
Lood de Jager gets the nod to partner Eben Etzebeth in the second row, with South Africa favouring a six-two forwards-to-backs split on the bench, preparing for an introduction of power with both RG Snyman and Franco Mostert named among the replacements.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, who broke through as a lock, starts at blindside flanker and Duane Vermuelen completes the back row at number eight.
Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard are paired in the halves, while de Allende shifts inside to the 12 jersey with Lukhanyo Am returning at outside centre.
Dynamite wing Cheslin Kolbe is joined in the back three by Makazole Mapimpi and Willie Le Roux.
South Africa team to play Japan (Sunday October 20, 11.45am BST)
15. Willie le Roux, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Faf de Klerk , 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Lood de Jager, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Frans Malherbe, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements:
16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Franco Mostert, 21. Francois Louw, 22. Herschel Jantjies, 23. Frans Steyn.
