Jean de Villiers will make his return to rugby on Saturday after being named on the bench for South Africa to face the World XV selection in Cape Town.
The Springbok skipper suffered a dislocated knee injury against Wales last November and there were fears his career could be over at the age of 34.
But after seven months of rehabilitation he has been passed fit ending a huge boost to his side ahead of the World Cup.
With De Villiers on the bench, Victor Matfield will captain the Boks from lock while Bath star Francois Louw starts in the back row.
Blue Bulls sensation Jesse Kriel will make his Test debut from outside centre and Warren Whiteley has been named at No.8 with Duane Vermeulen out injured.
“Jean is a massive asset to South African rugby and it’s wonderful to know his return to play is progressing so well that we can give him some game time from the bench on Saturday,” said Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer.
“The mere fact that he is back in shape and ready to play is testament to his incredible work-ethic and his professional approach to the game. Jean has really put in hours and hours of extra work to get here and he is a great example for any player on how to put yourself in the best possible position to recover.
“We will still manage how he is used against the World XV and afterwards we’d like him to return to Western Province, where he will be available for their Absa Currie Cup warm-ups.”
South Africa: Willie le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana; Handré Pollard, Ruan Pienaar; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis; Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield (Capt.); Francois Louw, Marcell Coetzee, Warren Whiteley.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Oupa Mohoje, Schalk Burger, Cobus Reinach, Pat Lambie, Jean de Villiers.