Tuesday 20 July 2021 2:18 pm | Updated: Thursday 22 July 2021 2:55 pm

Lions Tour: Rassie Erasmus picks established Springboks XV featuring 21 of World Cup final squad for first Test with British and Irish Lions

South Africa v Georgia — PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02: Siya Kolisi of South Africa looks on during the Rugby Union international match between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on July 02, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his matchday 23 to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium.

Handre Pollard will make his return to the international stage earning his 50^th cap in a momentous opening test. The playmaker, who has spent much of the last 12 months returning from injury, will pair with Faf de Klerk in the half-back berths.

Captain Kolisi has shrugged off doubts over his availability after being amongst a number of Boks to test positive for Covid-19 earlier this month.

Some 21 Springboks who featured in the 2019 Japan World Cup final victory have been named to face Gatland’s men.

Makazole Mapimpi and Ox Nche, like Kolisi, were the last group of players to report to camp in Cape Town on Monday after completing their mandatory self-isolation in Johannesburg. All three have been named in the starting XV.

Erasmus’ deputy Wilco Neinaber dismissed concerns that selecting players who had recently recovered from Covid-19 could place the World Champions at a disadvantage.

“Some of the players didn’t have Covid-19 symptoms at all, they have been managed according their individual needs, and they have really impressed me with their intensity and enthusiasm at training,” he said.

“The well-being of our players is of paramount importance, so we have been working closely with the medical team to work out what would be the best course of action for each player over the three-Test Series.

Springbok team to face the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium 17:00 BST:

15 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 62 caps, 60 pts (12t)

14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse) – 14 caps, 40 pts (8t)

13 – Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – 15 caps, 15 pts (3t)

12 – Damian de Allende (Munster) – 47 caps, 30 pts (6t)

11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks) – 14 caps, 70 pts (14t)

10 – Handré Pollard (vice-captain – Montpellier) – 49 caps, 465pts (6t, 78c, 89p, 4d)

9 – Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks) – 30 caps, 20 pts (4t)