Bismarck du Plessis, red carded when South Africa lost in New Zealand last month, has been recalled for the Rugby Championship decider between the teams on Saturday.
Hooker Du Plessis replaces Adriaan Strauss for the Ellis Park Test in one of two definite changes to the Springboks side that whipped Australia 28-8 last weekend.
The other was enforced with Juandre Kruger coming in at lock as Flip van der Merwe is suspended for a dangerous tackle on a Wallaby in Cape Town.
There could be a third change as outside centre JJ Engelbrecht faces a fitness test on a thigh muscle and Jan Serfontein is on stand-by.
Du Plessis was yellow carded twice in Auckland, with the second resulting in an automatic red that spoilt the much anticipated showdown won 29-15 by the All Blacks.
International Rugby Board officials admitted the first yellow card should not have been given as Du Plessis tackled All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter legally.
Tendai Mtawarira will win his 50th cap, becoming the fifth Springbok prop to achieve the feat after Os du Randt, CJ van der Linde, Ollie le Roux and Jannie du Plessis.
Zimbabwe-born Mtawarira is popularly called the “Beast”, and crowds throughout the country shout his nickname whenever he wins possession.
“He is someone who does not speak at lot, but you know he always gives everything for the Springbok jersey,” said coach Heyneke Meyer.
South Africa trail title-holders New Zealand by five points on the standings and face a daunting task to try and snatch the title.
The Springboks must win by at least eight points, score at least four tries, and prevent the All Blacks collecting a four-try bonus point.
New Zealand arrived in Johannesburg after a 33-15 away victory over Argentina and are scheduled to name their team Thursday.
Team (15-1)
Zane Kirchner; Willie le Roux, JJ Engelbrecht or Jan Serfontein, Jean de Villiers (capt), Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw; Juandre Kruger, Eben Etzebeth; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Gurthro Steenkamp, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco van der Merwe, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, Jan Serfontein or Juan de Jongh
