Springboks lose Alberts

Willem Alberts has been withdrawn from South Africa's Rugby World Cup opening game against Japan after injuring his calf during the captain's run.

Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit will start in the No 7 jersey with Eben Etzebeth moving up to the bench.

"Willem felt some discomfort during the captain's run and we took him out of the session as a precautionary measure," said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

"We reassessed him again this morning and decided it would be better to withdraw him from the team."

Despite Alberts' withdrawal, South Africa will still field the most experienced Springbok side with a combined total of 851 test caps.