South Africa have named three debutants for their opening Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

Props Dean Greyling and Werner Kruger join number eight Ashley Johnson in a squad which also includes uncapped scrum-half Charl McLeod on the bench.

Coach Peter de Villiers has called on the newcomers to seize their opportunity.

"The new caps had outstanding Super Rugby seasons and this is an exciting opportunity for them," he said. "They have been rewarded for their form and now it is up to them.

"We have got some new combinations, but there is a lot of potential in this side and the players are hungry for this chance."

The three-time winners will finish the tournament against New Zealand just two weeks before the start of the World Cup.