Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers has announced his team to face the British & Irish Lions in the 1st Test in Durban The team is captain by John Smit at prop and is as follows:

Springbok Match Day 22

15. Frans Steyn
14. JP Pietersen
13. Adi Jacobs
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Ruan Pienaar
9. Fourie du Preez

8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brussow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. John Smit (c)
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:

16. Gurthro Steenkamp
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn.

The makeup of the Springbok XV has been clear to most commentators for some time, but today's announcement clarifies thinking in a number of key positions. Despite de Villiers assurances that he would make the 1st test, Schalk Burger has been left, out due to a calf strain and Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow comes in to win only his second cap.

Ruan Pienaar is preferred at number 10 over uncapped Blue Bull Morné Steyn and PdV has brought an end to the speculation regarding the full-back position by naming Frans Steyn in the 15 shirt. It's a hugey experienced side boasting 707 caps across the 22. John Smit captains from tighthead, swapping out of his favoured position of hooker to make room for Bismarck du Plessis.

The Springboks face the Lions this Saturday at the ABSA Stadium in Durban.