Davon Raubenheimer has been drafted into the South Africa starting line-up for the world champions' European tour opener against English champions Leicester at Welford Road.

Raubenheimer replaces Heinrich Brussow, who was withdrawn after Test No.8 Pierre Spies had to pull out of the tour squad on Monday with a finger injury.

Raubenheimer will wear the No.7 jersey with Dewald Potgieter switching to six for the Tri-Nations title-holders.

Spies suffered the injury during the Blue Bulls' Currie Cup campaign and has been replaced in the Springbok squad by Jean Deysel, who will be on the bench on Friday against the Tigers.

Brussow is now set to join the group of 15 players that will travel to France a week on Tuesday.

"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," South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said in a statement issued Tuesday.

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

After the match against Leicester, South Africa face France on November 13 in Toulouse before returning to England for a tour match against current Premiership leaders Saracens at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Springboks then travel to Udine for a November 21 Test against Italy before concluding their tour a week later against Six Nations champions Ireland in Dublin.