The 22-year-old flanker, who was a star performer for the Cheetahs when they faced the Lions 11 days ago in Bloemfontein, replaces Schalk Burger in the Springbok starting line up.
South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers had publicly stated that he bases 60 per cent of his forward strategy on Burger’s presence, suggesting his absence will be keenly felt by the world champions.
Burger has been ruled out with a calf injury having not played competitive rugby since three weeks before the end of the regular Super 14 season.
Along with Brussow’s inclusion and Burger’s absence, the major talking points surrounding South African selection fall on the decision to play Francois Steyn at full back and keep faith with Ruan Pienaar at outside-half.
Injury to Conrad Jantjes led to plenty of speculation regarding who would wear the No15 shirt for the Boks, with many observers expecting wing JP Pietersen to be named at full back.
Instead, Pietersen remains on the wing, with utility back Francois Styen taking over from Jantjes.
Like Francois Steyn, Pienaar has experienced an injury hit season but he has fought off the challenge of in-form Blue Bulls fly-half Morne Steyn, who is chosen among the replacements.
Elsewhere the Bok team is as expected, with Adrian Jacobs and Jean de Villiers in the centres, Bryan Habana on the left wing and Fourie du Preez joining Pienaar at half back.
John Smit captains the side from tight-head prop, with Bismarck du Plessis starting at hooker and Beast Mtawarira at loosehead.
Victor Matfield and Bakkies Both form a formidable second row partnership, with Juan Smith and Pierre Spies playing alongside Brussow in the back row.
South Africa (vs Lions, Saturday June 20)
(Springbok caps in brackets)
15. Frans Steyn (27)
14. JP Pietersen (24)
13. Adi Jacobs (21)
12. Jean de Villiers (46)
11. Bryan Habana (46)
10. Ruan Pienaar (27)
9. Fourie du Preez (43)
8. Pierre Spies (19)
7. Juan Smith (54)
6. Heinrich Brüssow (1)
5. Victor Matfield (80)
4. Bakkies Botha (55)
3. John Smit (81) – captain
2. Bismarck du Plessis (21)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (10)
16. Gurthrö Steenkamp (20)
17. Deon Carstens (7)
18. Andries Bekker (13)
19. Danie Rossouw (36)
20. Ricky Januarie (34)
21. Jaque Fourie (42)
22. Morne Steyn (uncapped)
