Bundee Aki starts the game, with Darren Sweetnam in line for his first cap off the bench.
Bundee Aki is set to make his Irish debut on Saturday after being named at inside centre for his side’s first Autumn international against South Africa at the Aviva.
Aki, who qualifies via the residency rule having lived here for three years now, will be partnered by Robbie Henshaw at outside centre, renewing their old Connacht pairing.
Jacob Stockdale is in line for his first home cap as he starts on the left wing with Munster’s Andrew Conway named on the right due to a knock Keith Earls picked up in training that could rule him out for the whole November series.
“Keith Earls is a doubt for the series at this stage,” said Schmidt.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for Andrew Conway and Darren Sweenam.”
The British and Irish Lions partnership of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton will make up the half backs, with the returning Rob Kearney named at full back.
Cian Healy has been named to start at loosehead, with Leinster team mate Jack McGrath ruled out through a hip injury
As expected, Rory Best will captain the side at hooker with Tadhg Furlong named at tighthead. Iain Henderson and Devin Toner make up the second row, with Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien packing down either side of CJ Stander in the back row.
Joey Carbery and Kieran Marmion provide back-up from the replacements bench, as does Darren Sweetnam, the Munster wing set to earn his first cap also.
Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, James Ryan and Rhys Ruddock are the forwards replacements.
Here's your Ireland team for the 1st #GuinnessSeries match v @Springboks #TeamOfUs #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/SxV7Jodk78
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 9, 2017
Ireland: Rob Kearney, Andrew Conway, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, James Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Darren Sweetnam.