Cape Town – The Springboks may rely on the impact of a powerful bench when they tackle the Wallabies in Brisbane this weekend.

Afrikaans publication Netwerk24 is reporting that utility back Cheslin Kolbe may feature on the Springbok bench at Suncorp Stadium.

Kolbe was a surprise selection in coach Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the trip to Australasia and the 24-year-old will make his Test debut if he gets a run on Saturday.

It was reported on Tuesday that Erasmus could make up to SIX changes to the starting XV that lost 32-19 to Argentina in Mendoza late last month.

Prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Bongi Mbonambi look set to start in the front row, Pieter-Steph du Toit at flank, Elton Jantjies at flyhalf and Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel in midfield.

With Kolbe in the mix, the rest of the Bok bench could include: Malcolm Marx, Tendai Mtawarira, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard.

Mtawarira, Marx, Francois Louw and Pollard all started in the 32-19 defeat to Argentina in Mendoza late last month.

And while Erasmus’ intended decision to bench the above-mentioned quartet will be frowned upon in some quarters, it could provide the Boks with some much-needed oomph late in the game.

Kolbe could also provide a vital spark if handed a Test debut, with assistant coach Matt Proudfoot saying earlier in the week that it was good to have Kolbe among their ranks.

“We are excited to have Cheslin in the side; I think he deserves his chance in the group because I think he has really performed well (in France for Toulouse),” said Proudfoot.

“He’s an exciting player and he can create out of nothing and I think we’re looking for that extra zip. I obviously know him well from my coaching days at the Stormers, and he is type of player who can really create something out of nothing.”

The Springbok match-day 23 for the Test will be announced on Thursday morning (SA time).