Rugby: Springboks respond to threat of Sonny Bill Williams

South Africa have recognised the threat of Sonny Bill Williams.

South Africa have recognised the threat of Sonny Bill Williams with the naming of their side to play the All Blacks on Sunday.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has brought in Damian de Allende to face the All Blacks threat, one of three changes to the starting XV which beat the Wallabies last weekend.

Second five-eighths De Allende, who replaces Andre Esterhuizen, has recovered from a shoulder injury which forced him out of the Rugby Championship clash with Australia in Port Elizabeth. He will team up with Jesse Kriel in the midfield in a bid to counter Williams and Jack Goodhue.

Francois Louw and Steven Kitshoff also come into the starting XV. Openside Louw will play at No 8 in place of Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

Kitshoff starts at loosehead prop in place of Tendai Mtawarira after making a good impact off the bench in the hard fought win over Australia.

Vincent Koch comes on to the bench, replacing Wilco Louw as the tighthead prop cover.

Although the Rugby Championship has already been won by the All Blacks, a sellout crowd of 52,000 rabid fans awaits at Loftus Versfeld.

"They will test us in every department," said Erasmus.

"The All Blacks usually hit hard back after a loss so we have to be mentally and physically ready for a massive contest.

"We will have to front up in defence and be clinical when we create chances because the All Blacks punish you for errors and missed opportunities.

"The Springboks versus All Blacks at a packed Loftus, I think it's going to be a special occasion.''

It will be Springbok fullback Willie le Roux's 50th test.

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse.