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Boks wary of Wallaby tactical strength

Monday 14th July 2008

Doing their homework: Peter de Villiers and Victor Matfield

Both Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and captain Victor Matfield have singled out Australia's tactical approach to the game as strength ahead of the Tri-Nations Test between the team at the Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday.

Matfield, widely considered the world's best line-out player, said that the Wallabies' set piece would provide the world champions with an additional challenge.

"The Wallaby line-out is always a big threat and they will be very competitive in that department," said the stand-in Springbok captain.

"Their different tactical approach provides us with an interesting challenge and they have the advantage of playing at home in their first Tri-Nations match, while it will be our third consecutive away match."

De Villiers was upbeat about the Springboks play after their historic win over the All Blacks last weekend, but was expected a different kind of challenge from the tactically astute Robbie Deans' team.

"Australia is extremely good in putting phases together. They are a very organised unit and I am sure that the appointment of the Robbie Deans as coach will add an extra dimension to their play," said the Springbok coach.

"We played much better against the All Blacks in Dunedin and are obviously delighted with the win. However, we have already identified a few areas of concern and we will work very hard this week to improve on those errors."

De Villiers reported that centre Adrian Jacobs received a bump on the leg against the All Blacks in Dunedin. Jacobs was forced to leave the field in the second half and was replaced by Francois Steyn. The team will reassess his fitness later in the week.

Prop forward Gurthro Steenkamp received stitches for a cut above the left eye and he too was forced to leave the field before the end of play in the second Test. Although swollen, the wound has responded well to treatment and De Villiers said Steenkamp will be considered for selection.