Springbok coach Harry Viljoen on Wednesday said he is happy that he found a good blend between experienced and "special" young players to do well against the All Blacks in Saturday's Tri-Nations pipe opener at Newlands.

The Springbok coach on Monday surprised by selecting Lukas van Biljon ahead of John Smit at hooker. He also gave centre Marius Joubert and lock Victor Matfield a first start, while SA under-21 captain Johann van Niekerk won a place on the substitutes' bench.

Battle-hardened tighthead prop Cobus Visagie is back to bolster the front row and so is Robbie Kempson at loosehead. However, Western Province goal-kicking ace Braam van Straaten didn't get a look in at all.

Commenting on the 10 chances to the side that played against Italy, Viljoen said it was always their policy to give all 28 members of that squad a run. "I'm quite satisfied with the team we're putting on the field on Saturday. It's a nice mix of youth and experience and there are special players coming through in our squad."

He said Van Straaten is not completely out of the picture. "We looked at Braam and we're still busy working with him. Tim Lane (backline coach) is working hard with him, but we still need another week with him," said Viljoen.

"We also still want to go further with our process with Butch James. We spent three individual sessions with Butch, working on his tackling. Less Kiss (defence coach) spent those sessions trying to smooth out Butch's technique."

In a move that will irk some fans, Percy Montgomery moves back to fullback, which means there is no room for Thinus Delport in the match 22. "Percy gives us the left foot kicking option. He's experienced and we will also be using him to kick at poles. We can always play him at flyhalf in case of an emergency," explained Viljoen.

The coach said Van Biljon's barnstorming performance when he substituted the injured Smit against Italy gave the former the nod. "We weren't 100 percent sure whether John was going to be ready and Lukas definitely played well (against Italy). He gives us another dimension there, but we are fortunate to have two hookers of such potential in our squad."

Viljoen always speaks about players with special talent and he believes in Joubert, Matfield and Van Niekerk he has three gems. "You have to make decisions in life. Marius was always spoken about in selection committee meetings," he said.

"Unfortunately he was injured during the Super 12, but he has always been part of our process with the national under-23 team. I do believe he has the potential to give us the edge with the combination I've been looking for and that's why I've gone that route."

And he added that the young Lions No 8 is not there only to add up the numbers. "I pick a player because I believe he has the potential to play and we're certainly looking at giving Johann a run on Saturday as well."

He expects Matfield to fill the injured Albert van den Berg's boots with distinction on Saturday. "I always said Albert van den Berg was a big blow for us, specifically in the lineouts. I believe Matfield has the same attributes. He is a very skillful player, is good in the lineouts, not only on his own ball but also competing and that gave him the edge. He is a young player who performed exceptionally in the Super 12."

The coach proclaimed his satisfaction with Visagie's return, particularly for his experience. "Cobus is an experienced player and Western Province coach Gert Smal told me he performed well in Argentina on their tour there. We need his experience and we know he has always been rated one of the best tightheads in the world, so he's getting the opportunity to play and show his worth."

The Springboks have a rest day on Thursday before a light captain's run at Newlands on Friday.