Handre Pollard was given the key flyhalf role when the Springboks named an experienced team on Tuesday to face Ireland in the first match of a two-Test series in Pretoria on Saturday.
There had been speculation that the more creative but inconsistent goal-kicker Manie Libbok might get the nod for the highly anticipated clash of the top-ranked teams.
But coach Rassie Erasmus kept faith in Pollard, whose 100% goal-kicking record played a crucial role in the Springboks winning back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles last October.
Pollard did not make the initial 2023 World Cup squad for France due to injury but came in during the tournament as a replacement after hooker Malcolm Marx was ruled out.
The goal-kicking of the Leicester flyhalf proved crucial in France as South Africa edged France, England and New Zealand in the knockout rounds to retain the title.
