allAfrica.com: South Africa: Bok Defeat Will Breed Even More Contempt (Page 1 of 1)

MEMORIES of being booed off the field last week will be the driving force behind what the Springboks hope will be their best performance this season in their final Tri-Nations clash tomorrow against Australia in Johannesburg.

A win would restore some faith in the national team which has failed to live up to expectations as world champions in the Tri-Nations, and give SA's rugby faithful and the players hope ahead of the year-end tour.

A defeat, however, would breed even more resentment towards Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and would intensify calls for his head.

Australia, meanwhile, will be determined to reverse their bad luck in Johannesburg, where they last won in 1963, and will have the extra motivation of being able to make history by becoming the first Australian side to register back-to-back wins in SA in 45 years.

All these factors combined could result in a passionate explosion of emotions on the field.

De Villiers was cautious in his team selection for the game for fear of wholesale changes backfiring. He made only two changes to the team that was thumped 27-15 last week, both forced. Prop Brian Mujati replaces the suspended CJ van der Linde and wing Odwa Ndungane replaces the injured JP Pietersen.

On the bench, prop Jannie du Plessis fills the gap left by Mujati, back Ruan Pienaar replaces Frans Steyn -- who has concussion -- and lock Danie Rossouw replaces Joe van Niekerk, who was dropped.

Australian coach Robbie Deans made five changes , with the most significant being the inclusion of Timana Tahu at inside centre in place of the injured Berrick Barnes. Flank Phil Waugh gets a run at the expense of George Smith and lock Hugh McMeniman replaces the injured Dan Vickerman.

De Villiers and Bok lock and captain Victor Matfield were optimistic yesterday about their chances of success, and said conceding fewer turnovers and better decision-making to convert their chances into points were essential for victory.

De Villiers predicted that Australia would not stray from the game plan that has worked for them so far in the series. "The only thing they could still do is to try to be more direct. They tried to control the contact situations last week and to be more physical and they will try that again. But we are also a physical team. They might also try to move across the field a little more," he said.

With wings Jongi Nokwe and Ndungane lacking international experience, De Villiers suspected Australia would target his back three. But he had full faith that his players would be able to stand their ground.

"We could pick up a problem with the back three," said De Villiers. "But they are only inexperienced as a combination. As individuals they are experienced enough to cover each other.

"That said, a weakness could become a strength and a strength could become a weakness. If Australia don't kick well it could count in our favour."

Deans was careful not to underestimate the bruised Boks and said a win could do wonders for their confidence ahead of the year-end tour to the UK. "They have one more shot at it in this year's Tri-Nations," said Deans. "If they can take it, they can park the rest of the tournament and move forward a lot more positively towards their end of season tour preparations.

"Ask yourself how you'd feel in their position? There's no doubt they'll be up for it."

But Deans said his team was equally motivated to win, especially with a spot in Australia's history books and the Tri-Nations title in sight.

"By winning in Durban last weekend, we have presented ourselves with an opportunity to win back-to-back Tests in SA, which is not only rare in an Australian context; it is also historically significant across the game in general," said Deans.

"We owe it to ourselves, and to everyone associated with Australian rugby, to make the most of the chance."

Springbok squad: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield (capt), Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati, Bismarck Du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira

Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomery.

Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson

Reserves: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.

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