Reinach, who has recovered from the hamstring injury which kept him on the sidelines earlier this year, will provide cover for Jaden Hendrikse off the replacements bench in his first match in the green and gold this season.

The experienced scrumhalf was very excited about his opportunity to play after last running out for the Springboks against England in November last year, and although he admitted he did not have much game time recently, he said he was raring to go.

“If you look at the way we train I don’t think anyone is coming in cold," said Reinach.

“We go full on at training, as we train the way we want to play. I have also been part of the squad from the beginning of the season, so even though I haven’t played in months I’m excited to get onto the park and play.

“It is really nice to be back, I’m so excited to get onto the field I can’t sleep at night.”

Fourie, who made his Springbok debut as a replacement flanker in the second Test against Wales ins July, has been named as replacement hooker for Malcolm Marx, who will start in the No 2 jersey after a number of barnstorming appearances off the bench.

Hooker is nothing strange for Fourie, as he played there for several years before making the switch to flanker. And while he admitted that it was the first time in years he played the front row, he looked forward to the challenge.

Deon Fourie in action against Wales in July.

“In my 16 years as a professional rugby player I’ve played more at hooker than flanker, so I am more experienced at hooker,” said Fourie.

“Throwing in the lineouts is only a small part of the game. There are many other areas to the game too.

“That said, I’ve been training hard, and it has been going well, so I’m looking forward to this chance.”

Fourie shot down the opinion that being a versatile player was a disadvantage, rather than a benefit and said: “Some people may think it is negative to be a utility player, but I think it is great for the team if you have a player who can cover two or three positions.”

Following Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s comments earlier this week that he could see Fourie possibly fulfilling a similar role to experienced hooker Schalk Brits at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Fourie said the possibility of going to the international spectacle was a motivational factor to keep going.

“There is excitement but pressure as well to keep my game up,” said Fourie.

“When I came back to South Africa last year I didn’t think I’d be sitting here with a Springbok on my chest, so hopefully I can go out there, do my best.”

Reinach also looked forward to the possibility of forming a halfback pairing with the talented Damian Willemse, who will start at flyhalf this weekend after injuries had ruled out Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies.

“Any player brings his own identity to a game, and Damian will do the same as he comes in for Handre (Pollard), so I’m excited to play alongside him. All I expect from him is good communication and I will give him what he wants,” said Reinach.