The last time world champions South Africa played in Bloemfontein a team showing 14 changes suffered a shock first home loss to Wales two years ago.
They returned to the central city this week to prepare for a historic first, one-off Test against second-tier Portugal on Saturday, and once again the starting side has 14 changes.
But the chances of history repeating itself and the Springboks falling to Os Lobos (The Wolves) at the Free State Stadium are remote, even if the hosts have chosen an experimental matchday 23.
Seven Boks making debutsSouth Africa remain top of the rankings after a riveting drawn series with second-placed Ireland this month, while Portugal rose one place to 15th following a victory in Namibia last Saturday.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has chosen a new captain, six-cap lock Salmaan Moerat, and seven of the matchday 23 are set to make their Test debuts .
