Damian de Allende's century headlines Springboks' All Blacks opener

Damian de Allende will earn his 100th Test cap when South Africa face New Zealand in the opening battle at Ellis Park. The milestone is the main feature of a Springboks side shaped for a demanding Test against the All Blacks.

De Allende starts at inside centre alongside Jesse Kriel, forming a midfield partnership described as record-breaking. Damian Willemse is at fullback, with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Grant Williams make up the halfback pairing.

Only Eben Etzebeth and Feinberg-Mngomezulu retain their starting places from the 17-10 victory over Argentina. Seven other players from that match are among the replacements, including Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Wiese, Marco van Staden, Andre Esterhuizen and Cobus Reinach.

Ox Nche returns to the starting front row alongside Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx. Etzebeth partners Ruan Nortje in the second row, while Pieter-Steph du Toit captains the team from the loose-forward unit with Paul de Villiers and Jasper Wiese. De Villiers is set to make his first Test appearance against New Zealand.

Siya Kolisi is not included in the match-day team after training with the squad during the week. The selection is being handled cautiously as he works back towards a return, while De Villiers gets the opportunity after a strong run of form.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has blended players who stayed in South Africa with those who played in Argentina. The squad has trained together for more than a week, and the team includes several players returning from injury or recovering from a heavy Nations Championship workload.

South Africa expect New Zealand to bring physical forwards and an attacking backline. Erasmus has emphasised the need for accurate execution and discipline throughout the 80 minutes, with the sides' recent meetings often decided late. De Allende's landmark appearance adds another layer to the Ellis Park contest.