Aussies aim for rare successive wins in SA

2008-08-30 11:13

Johannesburg - Australia are aiming to win successive tests in South Africa for the first time in 45 years when they face the world champions in the Tri Nations on Saturday.

Following last weekend's 27-15 win in Durban, the Wallabies will seek to replicate the side of 1963 who recovered from losing the first of a three-test tour to defeat South Africa 9-5 in Cape Town, before edging them 11-9 in Johannesburg.

That victory in Johannesburg also marked the Wallabies' last win at Ellis Park, with South Africa claiming eight victories in nine previous matches in the capital.

"By winning in Durban, we have presented ourselves with an opportunity - to win back-to-back Test matches in South Africa - which is not only rare in an Australian context, but is also historically significant across the game in general," coach Robbie Deans said earlier this week.

Last weekend's victory also ended an eight-year drought for Australia in South Africa, and despite making five changes, the chance of breaking another run will no doubt spur Deans's charges on.

They lost centre Berrick Barnes and lock Daniel Vickerman to shoulder injuries in Durban and have replaced them with promising rugby league convert and debutant Timana Tahu at centre and Hugh McMeniman in the pack.

Elsewhere Phil Waugh relieves George Smith at flanker, Adam Ashley-Cooper has recovered from a broken hand to take the place of Drew Mitchell at fullback and Tatafu Polota-Nau replaces hooker Stephen Moore.

Despite being under pressure to reassemble a team that appears to be crumbling under his supervision, Springbok coach Peter de Villier has made just two enforced changes to the line up that failed in Durban.

Tighthead prop Brian Mujati wins a rare start in the absence of CJ van der Linde who was banned for four weeks for recklessly clearing an opponent from a ruck during the first test.

Winger JP Pietersen has withdrawn with a nagging hamstring injury, opening the door for Sharks flyer Odwa Ndungane.

Regardless of the result on Saturday, the Tri Nations title will be decided when one-point leaders New Zealand face Australia in Brisbane on September 13.

Teams:

Australia - 15-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Stirling Mortlock, 12-Timana Tahu, 11-Lote Tuqiri, 10-Matt Giteau, 9-Sam Cordingley, 8-Wycliff Palu, 7-Phil Waugh, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-Hugh McMeniman, 4-James Horwill, 3-Matt Dunning, 2-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1-Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16-Stephen Moore, 17-Al Baxter, 18-Dean Mumm, 19-George Smith, 20-Brett Sheehan, 21-Ryan Cross, 22-Drew Mitchell

South Africa - 15-Conrad Jantjies, 14-Odwa Ndungane, 13-Adrian Jacobs, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Jongikhaya Nokwe, 10-Butch James, 9-Fourie du Preez, 8-Pierre Spies, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Schalk Burger, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Andries Bekker, 3-Brian Mujati, 2-Bismarck du Plessis, 1-Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: 16-Adriaan Strauss, 17-Jannie du Plessis, 18-Danie Rossouw, 19-Luke Watson, 20-Enrico Januarie, 21-Ruan Pienaar, 22-Percy Montgomery.

(Editing by Padraic Halpin)

- Reuters