Peter de Villiers has recalled his big hitters for South Africa's match against New Zealand in Bloemfontein.

The coach makes six changes from the team that lost to the British and Irish Lions in the final Test earlier this month.

Odwa Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Johann Muller, Wynand Olivier, Morne Steyn, Ryan Kankowski, all of whom played in the 28-9 defeat on July 5, are no longer in the starting XV, with the latter three dropping to the bench.

Into the team come JP Pietersen, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Pierre Spies and Bakkies Botha, who returns from a two-week suspension following his shoulder charge in the second Test against the Lions.

Jannie du Plessis, the Sharks prop who was not part of the last series, is handed a place on the bench, while centre Olivier, called up yesterday as cover for Adi Jacobs, takes his place among the replacements due to a groin injury to his fellow midfielder.