Halfback Faf de Klerk will make his debut for South Africa against Ireland as new Springbok coach Allister Coetzee picked a team based on form rather than transformation.
The Lions No 9 is the only uncapped player in the starting line-up for the first of three tests against the Irish at Newlands which marks the start of a new era for Springbok rugby.
The 24-year-old De Klerk replaces Ruan Pienaar, who made himself unavailable for the series.
More than half of the team named in the line-up played in South Africa's last outing in October when they beat Argentina in the third-place playoff at the Rugby World Cup in London.
"It is the start of a new era and not an easy team selection. It has been based on what is best for the Bok team," said Coetzee, who has replaced Heyneke Meyer as coach and is tasked with building a team for the next World Cup in 2019.
Selection of South African teams has been dogged by controversy in recent years with demands for more black players to be chosen to better reflect the make-up of the country's diverse population.
But Coetzee's team reflects more a preference for form, shown over the last months of Super Rugby, rather than any transformation agenda.
"We will select the best team for the country and whoever is not happy with that, I can't help it. I'm happy with the choices," the new coach told a news conference.
"Faf's got to be reined in a bit. He is a bundle of energy who does everything at 100%. But he's an instinctive player who will bring something special to the team."
Lionel Mapoe has been preferred to Jess Kriel at centre after a strong showing in Super Rugby for the Lions while flanker Siya Kolisi gets a first start after a record-equalling 13 caps as a replacement.
South Africa host an injury-depleted Ireland in the series which continues with a second test in Johannesburg on June 18 before the final game in Port Elizabeth the following weekend.
"Ireland are supposedly full of injury problems but are a quality side with a good pack," Coetzee said. "We are under no illusions. We have our job cut out for this weekend. They will put us under pressure with good line speed but we are well prepared."
Jackson to replace Sexton
Ireland have handed Paddy Jackson the role of filling the boots of injured Johnny Sexton at first five-eighth.
The injury-depleted tourists have made four changes from their last international, a 35-25 win over Scotland in Dublin the Six Nations Championship in March, with Jackson set for a rare start.
"I've been waiting for a chance and now I've got it, I'm grateful it has come. There will be nerves but a lot of excitement," he told a press conference on Thursday.
After he named the team, coach Joe Schmidt added: "Paddy has bided his time and will slot in really well. I think he's got big boots to fill but he has the right-sized shoes."
Sexton was among several significant injury setbacks for the Irish before the three-test tour but Schmidt said he was pleased with his selection.
"I've got a mix of experience and a lot of energy which could be significant after a long season," he said.
"We are hoping to get a platform to build on and to get something out of this series going forward. You are never going to be in a situation where everything works out perfectly but I'm hoping to get enough confidence to build through the series."
Jared Payne switches from centre to fullback with Luke Marshall coming in at inside centre and Robbie Henshaw moving outside of him. Leinster's Jordi Murphy was chosen as openside flanker while Iain Henderson returns to the second row.
South African-born loose forward CJ Stander continues at blindside for a sixth successive test since his Irish debut but hooker Richardt Strauss, cousin of Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss, was not picked in the line-up.
South African team: 15-Willie le Roux, 14-JP Pieterse, 13-Lionel Mapoe, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Lwazi Mvovo, 10-Pat Lambie, 9-Faf de Klerk, 8-Duane Vermeulen, 7-Siya Kolisi, 6-Francois Louw, 5-Lood de Jager, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1-Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16-Bongi Mbonambi, 17-Trevor Nyakane, 18-Julian Redelinghuys, 19-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 20-Warren Whiteley, 21-Rudy Paige, 22-Elton Jantjies, 23-Jesse Kriel
Ireland team: 15-Jared Payne, 14-Andrew Trimble, 13-Robbie Henshaw, 12-Luke Marshall, 11-Keith Earls, 10-Paddy Jackson, 9-Conor Murray, 8- Jamie Heaslip, 7-Jordi Murphy, 6-CJ Stander, 5-Devin Toner, 4-Iain Henderson, 3- Mike Ross, 2- Rory Best (captain), 1-Jack McGrath
Replacements: 16-Sean Cronin, 17-Finlay Bealham, 18-Tadhg Furlong, 19-Ultan Dillane, 20-Rhys Ruddock, 21-Kieran Marmion, 22-Ian Madigan, 23-Craig Gilroy.
