Springbok coach Harry Viljoen has surprisingly not considered his biggest matchwinner, Breyton Paulse, for Sunday's Test against Ireland.

SA Rugby Player of the Year Paulse, a two-try hero in the victory over Argentina, is being rested. The Boks want to keep him fresh for the challenges against Wales and England, but it's nevertheless a gamble - especially as Chester Williams' lack of pace is quite glaring.

Pieter Rossouw, who replaced Williams at halftime in the Buenos Aires Test on the left wing, will start with Williams. Utility back Deon Kayser (pictured) will do duty on the substitutes bench.

This move will come as a shock to many South African fans, but in announcing his side on Friday coach Harry Viljoen stressed that Paulse is not axed.

"We decided to rest Breyton completely this week. We have a process that we are managing with him, Chester and Pieter. We kept him away from the training field all week long because he hasn't had a break yet this season. A rest now will stand him in good stead," Viljoen said.

Viljoen has on several occasions stated he wants to give as many players as possible a chance to stake a claim for a position in his Test team. But the coach said, on Sunday, the flow of the game will dictate his substitutions.

"Last week John Smit (hooker) got a bump on the head, otherwise he would have played the whole game. And with regard to the wings, I came to an agreement with Pieter and Chester before the game that each one of them would play a half.

"We must manage the process carefully because we need all three those wings and I don't want to lose one of them. It's part of a process that I've agreed to with them," the coach said.

Viljoen said they tried to stay with the 22 that did duty against the Pumas because it's important for the players' confidence that there isn't too much disruption.

Outside centre Grant Esterhuizen has recovered from the knee injury that forced him off the field against Argentina and was included in the side.

Viljoen said centre Japie Mulder, who made a rather disappointing return to action after an injury against Ireland A, is still in the running for a Test berth.

"We are constantly looking at him. He needs to prove himself next week in the midweek game. On Wednesday, he didn't have a good chance to do that, but we need his weight and experience. He is important to us and can play a big role in the remaining Tests."

Springbok team: Thinus Delport; Chester Williams, Grant Esterhuizen, Robbie Fleck, Pieter Rossouw; Percy Montgomery, Joost van der Westhuizen; Andre Vos (capt), Andre Venter, Corne Krige, Mark Andrews, Albert van den Berg, Willie Meyer, John Smit, Robbie Kempson, Charl Marais, Ollie le Roux, Hottie Louw, AJ Venter, Dan van Zyl, Braam van Straaten, Deon Kayser.