Rassie Erasmus confident Edwill van der Merwe will step up for Boks against Wallabies

Van der Merwe comes into the starting XV on the right wing in place of Cheslin Kolbe, who misses out with a minor knee injury.

Although there were initial fears Kolbe's setback was more serious, Erasmus revealed the speedster could have played this weekend if absolutely necessary.

"Cheslin will be ready next week," Erasmus explained. "He had a knee scan and initially we thought it was a little bit more serious, but he was actually clear to play this weekend. We just wanted to be safe and make sure he's 100% fit."

That opens the door for Van der Merwe, who impressed in recent Tests against Italy and Georgia, and is now set for a direct battle with Australia's Dylan Pietsch – a player who caught the eye in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Erasmus believes the aerial battle will be a decisive factor at Ellis Park and sees Van der Merwe as a key weapon.

"At altitude the ball flies a mile, so distance kicking will be a factor," Erasmus said. "They've got great guys in the air – [Joseph] Suaalii, [Max] Jorgensen, and Pietsch, who is a fiery winger and very competitive.

"I don't think it's going to be a kicking competition, but the aerial battle will be vital. Edwill's work-rate and competitiveness in the air will be important for us."

Erasmus also addressed the fact that Manie Libbok is the only out-and-out goal-kicker in the Springboks' XV.

Considering the flyhalf's issues off the tee over the past few years, especially at Test level when the pressure is on, it is a risky decision.

The head coach said that Aphelele Fassi will provide support should Libbok falter, while the versatile Damian Willemse is on the bench if required, but insisted the Boks have belief in the 28-year-old Libbok.

"Damian and Aphelele will be back-up kickers but we're very confident in Manie. We always say hopefully the game doesn't come down to kicking and instead comes down to scoring tries."