Jaque Fourie will make his 50th appearance for the Springboks when he runs out for them on Saturday!Fourie is one of the most talented midfield players in the world. He runs excellent lines, is strong on his feet, has great pace and is solid on defence. His partnership with Jean de Villiers is globally feared and I believe Fourie is the greatest outside centre South Africa has produced. People may argue that there are other legends that were better than Fourie, I disagree.
The teams for Saturday's test have been announced and we have no real surprises. Robbie Deans has wielded the axe by making 5 changes to his side and is seemingly still looking to find the answers to winning rugby matches for Australia.
Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, has merely tried to bring in cover for the wounded Boks that have returned home.
Ndungane gets a rare start in place of JP Pietersen and Danie Russouw comes in for Bekker on the bench. Johan Muller has also been flown in in case Bakkies Botha's mild injury flares up. Ndungane will not disappoint and is sure to be solid for South Africa. Danie Russouw would start for any other international team.
Stopping the Springbok machine is not impossible but highly unlikely given the number of changes and the contrasting tempos. Yes, the Boks only won by 7 points, but the scoreline flattered the hosts and John Smit would be disappointed that his team conceded those late tries.
The Boks will be looking for a much more polished performance, especially in the last 20 minutes of the game. The mathematics remain simple, win this test match and the Tri Nations is in the bag.
Go Bokke!
Links to the teams for Saturday on SARugby.com:
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