Davon Raubenheimer has been brought into the starting line-up for South Africa's match against Leicester at Welford Road on Friday night.

Raubenheimer takes the place of Heinrich Brussow, who has been withdrawn after Test number eight Pierre Spies had to pull out of the touring squad with a finger injury.

Raubenheimer will wear the number seven jersey on Friday, with Dewald Potgieter switching to six.

Spies suffered the injury during the Blue Bulls' Absa Currie Cup campaign and has been replaced in the Springbok party by Jean Deysel, who has been included on the bench for Friday's match.

"Losing Pierre is a blow for us and a disappointment for him, but we are fortunate to have strong back-up players in the squad who are familiar with how we want to play," said coach Peter de Villiers.

"I am also confident that the change will not disrupt our preparations for the important tour opener."