Heyneke Meyer, the South Africa head coach, has challenged his players to prove their World Cup worth after being forced into changes for their final game of the year in Wales.

Meyer has had to select a new back three, with JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana and Johan Goosen all unavailable for Saturday's Test in Cardiff after being recalled for club duty. Full-back Willie le Roux and wings Cornal Hendricks and Lwazi Mvovo come into a back division which does not include anyone with more than 40 caps, other than the 105-time capped skipper Jean de Villiers.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis and prop Tendai Mtawarira are also recalled to provide vital experience to a Springboks side which Meyer has acknowledged has plenty to play for in Cardiff.

"The way we see it is that a lot of these guys are right on the edge of World Cup selection," said Meyer. "This Test is an opportunity for a lot of these youngsters to show what they can do and for the experienced players to step up."