And he is expecting a fierce forward battle against the RBS 6 Nations champions.

“I get the idea that Wales are coming here to take us on up front,” said De Villiers.

“It looks like they’ve prepared to scrum us into the turf. Make no mistake, whatever they may say, this isn’t a weakened team at all. They will test us.

“We also reckon the selection of Stephen Jones means they will kick more. Warren Gatland is a very clever coach and we expect a number of surprises from him.”

De Villiers though is likely to spring a few surprises of his own with his selections.

Several weekend newspapers reported De Villiers plans to leave out three World Cup winners – Percy Montgomery, Victor Matfield and Frans Steyn – as he tries out new faces against the Welsh.

Full-back Conrad Jantjes is likely to keep Montgomery out of the side, while uncapped Andries Bekker – son of former Springbok Hennie Bekker – should start ahead of Matfield.

De Villiers said: “I see Victor as a rugby genius and ultimately one of the most professional players I know. But Andries can learn a lot by him, so I don’t think its too much of a surprise to pull that rabbit out of the hat now.”

Adrian Jacobs, who last played for the Springboks in 2002, has earned a recall and is set to keep Steyn out of the midfield combination with Jean de Villiers.

The coach is also likely to blood uncapped Brian Mujati in the front row, while John Smit will win his 50th Test cap.

De Villiers praised the “calm” Smit brought to the team.

He added: “We may not be playing under the ELVs (experimental law variations) now, but John has been a great mentor for some of the younger guys and it has helped that he is back in the squad. He has brought a certain calm to the team.”

Despite playing the entire Super 14 season under the new laws, the Boks now have to adapt to the old laws for the Wales and Italy Tests, before returning to the ELVs for the Tri Nations next month.

De Villiers’ only injury concern is flanker Juan Smith, who has a light hamstring strain.

Smith himself rated his chances of playing as 50-50.

De Villiers could also opt for Luke Watson, who was controversially included in the squad last year under political pressure and against the wishes of then-coach White.

The Springboks refused to recognise him as a team-mate at the time, but the Stormers flanker may now line up at openside flank after injuries to World Cup stars Schalk Burger and Wikus van Heerden.

“I always thought he had too much pressure on him last year,” De Villiers said.

“It will now be interesting to see how he plays without the same level of pressure on himself. Luke has always been a player that has a lot of self confidence and I believe he will do well.”