The two-time defending champions made 13 changes Tuesday for Sunday's one-off Test against Australia at Optus Stadium.
Veterans Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende were sent home for family time.
Vermeulen rejected claims the changes showed disrespect or weakness.
The world No.1 Springboks arrive after a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand.
Potter says South Africa's aerial attack will test Australia alongside its feared scrum.
"It's going to be a massive area of the game for sure," Potter said.
Will Jordan made 24 turnovers, a series high, while New Zealand struggled under the high ball.
Kiss will name the team Friday and may shift Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the wing.
Jordan Petaia could return for his first Wallabies match since 2023, after an injury ended his NFL bid and France revived his form.
Australia's 38-22 Johannesburg win last year followed a 22-0 deficit, although South Africa have won five of their previous six Tests.