The fomer IRB world player of the year’s niggling calf injury has failed to respond to treatment so Heinrich Brussow, who was a stand out performer in a losing Cheetahs side against the Lions earlier in the tour, is his replacement.
The Cheetahs flanker, who was called into the squad less than 24 hours ago as cover for the injured Burger, will start at blindside alongside his provincial team-mate Juan Smith.
South Africa will be led by John Smit, in a side stacked with experience. Sixteen players in the 22 were in South Africa’s line-up for their previous Test against England at Twickenham in November last year.
Springbok play British and Irish Lions in first Test at Absa Stadium Saturday:
Francois Steyn; JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow; Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha; John Smit (capt), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Gurthro Steenkamp, Deon Carstens, Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw, Ricky Januarie, Jaque Fourie, Morne Steyn
