Springbok changes highlight test weaknesses

SUN CITY - Deck chairs on the Titanic? In making five changes for Sunday's test against the All Blacks the Springboks have broken up the strength of their centre pairing and dispensed with an openside flanker.

Coach Jake White has introduced some cutting edge with Andre Pretorius at five-eighths and bulked up his pack but the recurring question is about the Springboks' ability at the breakdowns.

They were outgunned in that part of the game at Pretoria when they used specialist Solly Tyibilika who White regarded as the best replacement for the injured Schalk Burger.

Now he has chosen Pedrie Wannenburg, Pierre Spies and A. J. Venter - after a two-year test absence - as his loose trio, three ball-carriers but not one renowned for digging the ball from the depths of the breakdown.

Venter told the Herald two years ago he was about to retire after playing for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at Twickenham. Even last year White considered the loose forward too sluggish for test rugby. Venter will bring sting to the pack but also has a reputation for flirting with fair play.

The impressive midfield pairing of Jean de Villers and Jaque Fourie has also been split with Fourie shifted to fullback instead of the fading Percy Montgomery.

White's problem was he could not start talented utility Ruan Pienaar at fullback without incurring the wrath of the provinces after he accused them of using players out of position in the Super 14.

Pienaar is a halfback with multiple skills while Fourie started his first class career at fullback.

B. J. Botha has been chosen at tighthead prop ahead of the injured C. J. van der Linde.