Preview: South Africa v Australia

The Tri-Nations makes its way to South Africa where the Springboks will be out to bag their first win of 2011 when they tackle Australia.

The Tri-Nations makes its way to South Africa where the Springboks will be out to bag their first win of 2011 when they tackle Australia in Durban.

Two matches, two heavy defeats – that's South Africa's season thus far in a nutshell.

Albert Einstein once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Well, Bok coach Peter de Villiers ain't no Einstein (though some may argue he's a bit insane), but he's right when he urged the country to forget what had happened during the recent trip to Australasia, where an under-strength Springbok side were well beaten.

This time round, De Villiers – seeking a different result – has recalled all of his most senior players that were available, in a complete overhaul to the team that ran out against New Zealand in Wellington two weeks ago.

Amongst the most notable inclusions is the return of scrum-half Fourie du Preez and flanker Heinrich Brussow for the first time in 21 months, while Butch James was named at fly-half in another surprise move.

There was also place for John Smit at hooker – the captain being one of two survivors from the 39-20 and 40-7 losses to the Wallabies and All Blacks respectively along with Danie Rossouw – while Frans Steyn was selected at full-back.

“What happened in the past wasn't good for our country and wasn't good for us, but we leave that in the past,” said De Villiers.

“Our focus now is solely on Saturday's game.

“We want to again be the respected team we were two seasons ago and I think that alone is enough motivation in itself.”

So lets respect De Villiers' wishes by forgetting about the past and instead focus on the present – or rather what the future holds for the Springboks come kick-off on Saturday.

Whilst the world champions have an immediate chance to put things right against a Wallabies outfit still hurting from last weekend's 30-14 defeat to New Zealand, the lack of game-time will count against the Springbok 'A' team when they go up against the battle-hardened Aussies.

It would be an understatement to say that this first-string Bok side is undercooked.

Only six of South Africa's matchday 22 have played Test rugby recently, and of those six, only two (Smit and Rossouw) will start with the remaining four on the bench. Depth in experience could also be a wee bit of a concern if called upon, with two of the Springboks forward replacements having only five caps between them.

Fifteen of the matchday 22 haven't experienced any game-time since being released from their Super Rugby teams, while Brussow played his first game in three months off the bench for the Cheetahs in a Currie Cup match last weekend.

The burning question as to what degree the lack of match practice will affect the returning first-choice Boks, will be answered during the early stages of Saturday's hit-out in Durban when individuals look to find their groove and combinations strive to settle.

It will be no surprise then that Australia will look to pounce straight from the kick-off, and deny their hosts as little time as possible to gel as a unit. The Wallabies don't want to be playing catch-up rugby like they did against the All Blacks in Auckland, where they were down 17-0 at half-time and never recovered.

The Wallabies didn't play badly, the All Blacks were just the better team on the day. Robbie Deans' troops blew some try-scoring chances early on that day, but surely have learnt their lessons and will no doubt strike while the iron's hot against the creased Springboks.

Despite last weekend's loss to New Zealand, Australia's chances of bagging the Tri-Nations title for the first time in a decade are still alive, but must come away from King's Park with championship points to keep that reality alive ahead of the final round match against New Zealand in Brisbane on August 27.

Australia's starting line-up features nine of the players who started in last year's thrilling 41-39 win over South Africa in Bloemfontein – the Wallabies' second win in the Republic from three seasons, and their first on the Highveld in 47 years.

Their last visit to Durban also ended in a victory for the men from Down Under, when Australia prevailed 27-15. So Saturday's venue holds pleasant memories for South Africa's opposition, who are also chasing a hat-trick of wins over their southern hemisphere rivals.

With two matches left for both sides to build some winning momentum before the World Cup, South Africa and Australia will also know every victory counts psychologically in the build-up to this year's biggest rugby event.

Let the battle commence!

Ones to watch:

For South Africa: With 810 caps, the Boks field the most experienced Test team of all time. Amongst the old heads is fly-half Butch James, who returns to the number ten position he called his own during South Africa's march to their second World Cup title four years ago. James, who is preferred ahead of Morne Steyn, last started a Test at fly-half against Italy more than a year ago and won the last of his 40 caps against Australia at Loftus Versfeld in 2010. James has his fair share of critics – and just like Marmite, you either love him or you hate him. But nobody can fault his uncompromising defence, deft hands and fearsome competitiveness – all match-winning traits that Bok fans will be hoping come to the fore at his former hunting ground.

For Australia: With the Wallabies set for another typically physical battle with the beefed-up Boks, Australia coach Robbie Deans will be banking on recalled veteran lock Nathan Sharpe to put his big frame, dominance in the set piece and vast experience to good use. Also keep an eye out for in-form number eight Scott Higginbotham, who makes his first Test start this weekend. The dynamic Reds back-rower has been rewarded for a series of strong cameos off the bench, and will be looking to press for World Cup selection with another eye-catching performance from the get-go.

Head to head: Fourie du Preez v Will Genia. In the build-up to Saturday's Test, the Wallabies scrum-half picked out his opposite number as a player who will make “a massive difference” for South Africa this weekend. It's pretty hard to argue against Genia's assessment. The duel between this mercurial duo may well decide the outcome with both set to play a vital link between forwards and backs. They can be individual match-winners in their own right – Du Preez more likely with some kick-chase magic and Genia with a solo run. An intriguing battle awaits.

Previous results:

2011: Australia won 39-20, Sydney
2010: Australia won 41-39, Bloemfontein
2010: South Africa won 44-31, Pretoria
2010: Australia won 30-13, Brisbane
2009: Australia won 21-6, Brisbane
2009: South Africa won 32-25, Perth
2009: South Africa won 29-17, Cape Town