New South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has gambled with his first Springbok team ahead of the first of two Tests against Six Nations champions Wales today.

De Villiers, who took over from World Cup winning coach Jake White in February this year, has retained just five players in his starting XV who ran out against England in the World Cup final against England on October 20 last year.

Wing Bryan Habana, flyhalf Butch James, flanker Juan Smith, lock Bakkies Botha and captain and hooker John Smit are the only starters who featured in the run on team against England.

The Springbok coach said selection had been reached by consensus between himself, the assistant coaches, the selectors and captain Smith.

"We had good discussions about the team. If I just do what I want then we won't have a successful Springbok team, so I do what we want.

"But, as they say, there is a time to come and a time to go, and maybe the time to go is closer than expected for some people."

Fullback Percy Montgomery, the leading points scorer at the World Cup, and lock Victor Matfield, named the most valuable player of the tournament, were both relegated to the bench, alongside forwards Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Danie Rossouw and utility back Ruan Pienaar.

The selection is an indication that De Villiers is building towards the next World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

Matfield took his demotion well: "It's just great to be back and part of the Bok squad and I'm glad the new coach has given me a chance. Hopefully I'll be able to add something to the team when I come on later," he said.

Wales, while missing several key players including centre Gavin Henson and flanker Martyn Williams, will be in upbeat mood after their Six Nations triumph just a few weeks ago.

They look an inspired team under the guidance of Warren Gatland who has stated he wants to use the two Test series to measure the class of his side.

Lock forward Ian Gough admitted it would be a physical encounter. "They're a big bunch of guys who like to play it hard so we're going to have to match them physically if we're to have a say in matters," he said.