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De Villiers missed the T20 and ODI series' against Australia due to a broken hand but is expected to play in the first Test after playing in a 1 Day Cup match for the Titans against the Knights on Sunday.
“He (De Villiers) is a world-class player and his presence in the South African team will be huge boost for morale,” Dippenaar, who played 38 Tests for South Africa, told SuperSport.com.
“He is not just a world-class batsman but a world-class fielder."
The Knights batsman also feels there's not much to choose between the two sides.
“One cannot help but feel the anticipation building up to what will be a great Test series. I believe both teams are very equally matched and at the end of the day the series will be decided in one crucial session,” he said.
Dippenaar feels the variety within the squad gives coach Gary Kirsten a lot of options when it comes to selection.
“The squad is a very strong one and allows Gary a lot of room to pick his side based on tactical needs.
“It looks like the biggest battle in the squad is between (left-arm spinner) Paul Harris and (leg-spinner) Imran Tahir and I believe it will come down to a tactical decision.
“If Gary is looking for a spinner that has more of an attacking nature, Imran might well be his first choice, but if Gary is looking for someone that will tie one end up then Paul Harris might be his first choice,” he concluded.
