Cheslin Kolbe, an EPCR Challenge Cup runner-up with RC Toulon last season, will play his first Test at full-back when he returns to the South Africa team for the first time since July against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Kolbe, whose last Test was against Wales, will start in an exciting back three after proving his fitness with the French club following a broken jaw.

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber said: “We think Cheslin has the potential to add a new dimension to our game at full-back.

“He was sidelined for a while after breaking his jaw against Wales, but he has played four 80-minute matches for Toulon since returning to play and we are confident that he will step up to the challenge.”

Nienaber revealed that Kolbe, who has scored eight tries in 23 EPCR appearances for Toulon and Stade Toulousain, would also provide fly-half cover.

“Cheslin has delivered star performances for his clubs in France at fly-half, so he will slot in as a back-up fly-half if necessary,” Nienaber added.