Matfield set for Springbok record
Veteran lock will earn his 112th test cap when he leads South Africa out against Wales
Veteran lock Victor Matfield will on Saturday become South Africa's most capped player when he leads the side against Wales in his 112th test match, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
The 37-year-old powerhouse was named skipper of an experienced Springbok starting line-up, which shows two changes from the team who beat Wales 38-16 in Durban last week.
Both changes are in the pack, where Tendai Mtawarira returns at loosehead prop, with Gurthro Steenkamp reverting to the bench, while Flip van der Merwe will partner Matfield in the second row in place of Bakkies Botha.
[Victor Matfield] has been a terrific servant of the game in South Africa and has led his country with distinction
The only other change to the team is in the backline reserves where Wynand Olivier replaces the injured Johan Goosen to provide necessary midfield cover.
Ruan Pienaar will provide backup for scrum half and fly half, while Lwazi Mvovo can cover fullback and wing.
Matfield made his test debut in June 2001 against Italy in Port Elizabeth. He retired after the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011 on 110 caps, but made a successful return to the game earlier this year.
"This is a fantastic accolade for Victor," said Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer.