Rossouw replaces van Niekerk (Getty Images).

By Alex Lowe, PA Sport, Melbourne

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South Africa coach Rudolf Straeuli has made just one enforced change to the Springboks side for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final showdown with New Zealand, replacing injured flanker Joe van Niekerk with Danie Rossouw.

Straeuli's hand was forced when Van Niekerk tore the anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee in the win over Samoa.

Otherwise, the Springboks coach stuck by the side that beat the Pacific Islanders in the last Pool C game, with exciting fly-half Derick Hougaard retaining the number 10 jersey from Louis Koen.

"The selection is our strongest possible and is close to the teams we fielded against England and Samoa," said Straeuli.

"Danie Rossouw was the natural replacement at seven for Joe van Niekerk and brings an exciting dimension to the position.

"Our preparations have gone well this week, the guys have worked hard and I am confident that this squad is capable of putting in a strong performance on Saturday."

Selborne Boome has been promoted onto the bench in place of Rossouw as back row cover.

The starting line-up features seven of the side that lost 19-11 to the All Blacks in Dunedin this August and six who were on the receiving end of a 52-16 thumping at Ellis Park the previous month.

Although it is seven Tests and three years since South Africa last beat New Zealand, they have never lost to the All Blacks at a World Cup.

The Springboks beat New Zealand in the final to win the trophy in 1995 and claimed third place in 1999, also with a victory over their long-time rivals.

"This is a big game for both teams. It is important that we play the game we want to play and focus on our strengths," said captain Corne Krige.

"Regardless of previous performances at this event, good or bad, there is no doubt that both teams will raise the level of play, which is what we expect from the All Blacks."

South Africa: J van der Westhuyzen; A Willemse, J Muller, DW Barrie, T Delport; D Hougaard, J van der Westhuizen; C Bezuidenhout, J Smit, F Rautenbach, B Botha, V Matfield, C Krige (captain), D Rossouw, J Smith.

Replacements: D Coetzee, R Bands, S Boome, S Burger, N de Kock, L Koen, J Fourie.