The Springboks are set to field a mixture of experienced regulars and exciting fringe players for their first Test of the year against the Wallabies in Pretoria.

Jacques Nienaber will name the matchday-23 for the clash against Eddie Jones’ Australia tomorrow, with a couple of interesting selection calls expected.

As they did in 2019, the Springboks are employing a split-squad system for the Rugby Championship, which will see a group of players and management members travel to Auckland this week to prepare for the second-round game against the All Blacks on July 15.

This will open up a few opportunities for some exciting talent to put their hands up for the final 33-player squad that will go to the World Cup in France.

It has been reported that Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, who both made their Test debuts in 2022, will start either side of veteran fullback Willie le Roux, while Andre Esterhuizen will get a chance to stake a claim for the No 12 jersey alongside Lukhanyo Am.

Another 2022 Springbok debutant, flyhalf Manie Libbok, is set to start in an enterprising halfback combination with Cobus Reinach, one of five scrumhalves in the wider squad.

The standout selection in the pack could see Jean Kleyn make his first appearance for the Springboks, having been cleared by World Rugby to switch allegiances from Ireland. Kleyn could form an all-Munster second-row pair with club teammate RG Snyman, who would be making his first Test appearance since 2019.

With captain Siya Kolisi recovering from a knee ligament injury, Vodacom Bulls opensider Marco van Staden may be picked for his breakdown skills to a back row of veteran No 8 Duane Vermeulen and blindside flank Pieter-Steph du Toit.

The Springboks are set to decide between Vermeulen or Am to captain the team in Kolisi’s absence.

Possible Springbok starting lineup: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Jean Kleyn, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, and 1 Ox Nche.