Schalk Burger out for South Africa

Burger is a fearsome opponent, an acknowledged master of the line-out, and his injury will reduce the power of the Springbok pack on Saturday given that they have lost their central figure.

Coach Peter de Villiers has turned to Brussow to fill the gap less than 24 hours after calling the Cheetahs flanker into the squad as cover.

The 22-year-old's only previous Test appearance came against England in November of last year, when he came on at Twickenham for five minutes as a replacement.

However, he caused the Lions all kinds of problems when they secured a narrow win over the Cheetahs earlier in the tour and his work on the ground — stealing or delaying opposition ball — has seen him elevated to the main event. But, having already watched him at first hand, at least the Lions will know how to counter him in Durban.

Brussow said: "I was disappointed to miss out on selection into the original squad but I am very happy about being called in. It will be great to be part of the squad and the Lions series and I am going to grab my chances with both hands."

South Africa assistant coach Dick Muir said: "Obviously Heinrich is not much of a line-out option but I don't think much of our preparation has changed. Heinrich is highly regarded and is coming into this game after a great Super 14. He provided an encouraging performance against the Lions, but we knew he was going to be an option before that match."

The Springboks have named a 22-man squad featuring 707 caps, one that includes five members of the Super 14 winning Bulls team in the starting line-up with another three on the bench.

Sixteen players in the 22 participated in the Springboks' previous Test, that victory over England at Twickenham, which adds to the feeling that the World Cup holders are starting this series cold, with some of the players not having played a match for five weeks.

Bulls fly-half Morne Steyn is the only uncapped player in the squad, while wonder-wing Bryan Habana is the main threat behind a huge pack that features the outstanding line-out combination of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

Francois Steyn has recovered from injury to take the full-back role while Ruan Piennar wins the battle for the No10 role and partners the dangerous Fourie du Preez.

Captain John Smit is at tight head, continuing his switch of positions having led South Africa to cup glory at hooker and he forms an all Sharks front row with Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira and Bismarck Du Plessis.

Coach Muir added: "It's a well balanced backline with some strong ball carriers, good kickers and tremendous pace. It's also a case of horses for courses as we know what to expect from the Lions."

South Africa Test team

15 Frans Steyn
14 JP Pietersen
13 Adi Jacobs
12 Jean de Villiers
11 Bryan Habana
10 Ruan Pienaar
9 Fourie du Preez
1 Tendai Mtawarira
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 John Smit (cpt)
4 Bakkies Botha
5 Victor Matfield
6 Heinrich Brussow
7 Juan Smith
8 Pierre Spies

Replacements: Gurthro Steenkamp, Deon Carstens, Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw, Ricky Januarie, Jaque Fourie, Morne Steyn