When Steyn and Philander last shared the new ball, in the first test against India in Mohali last November, South Africa were the top-ranked side. Now they are a lowly seventh, two places behind New Zealand.
Steyn strained a groin in the first innings of the Mohali match and did not bowl in the second innings.
Since then he has played only one test, against England in Durban last December, when he suffered a shoulder injury which ruled him out of the second innings.
Philander had an ankle injury before the second test in India and has missed South Africa's last seven tests.
At Kingsmead, Steyn and Philander are set to team up for the first time with Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's 21-year-old fast bowling phenomenon, who was named the country's cricketer of the year last month.
