The young pair of Williams and Feinberg-Mngomezulu will enter the match with the massive responsibility of dictating play, against a talented Bristol side, which head coach Mzwandile Stick and Williams described as a team that play an entertaining brand of running rugby.

“It will be the first time Sacha and I will play together, so we had our first training session on Monday,” said Williams.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and it will be important to play the conditions well and to go out there and do our best.

“We are a group of guys from different provincial unions that are buying into the same system, and there is a fantastic vibe among the players.

“On a personal note, I am really looking forward to going out there and making the most of the chance to play.”

Williams relished the competition for the Springbok No 9 jersey, with Faf de Klerk, Jaden Henrikse, Cobus Reinach and Herschel Jantjies all in the mix, and said: “I feel the more competition there is, the better I play. Everyone knows the depth we have at scrumhalf in the country, so I just want to go out there and enjoy myself.”

Looking ahead to Thursday’s match, Williams said: “Bristol play a really good running game. They really like to run the ball in their own 22 and they play an exciting brand of rugby in general.

“The important aspects for us will be to control the territory game and use the opportunities we create.”