Tuitupou says ready for Butch James

Sam Tuitupou

All Blacks midfielder Sam Tuitupou says avoiding the missile-like defence of Butch James will be second nature after growing up dodging Pacific Island opponents at all levels of rugby.

Combative first five-eighth James, who joined the Springboks in Wellington yesterday, looks set to be a central figure at Westpac Stadium in Saturday's Tri-Nations test.

He was bracketed with Meyer Bosman at No 10 to replace Jaco van der Westhuyzen in one of five changes from the South African team humiliated 0-49 by Australia on Saturday.

The other changes see halfback Ricky Januarie replaced by Fourie du Preez, loose forwards Joe van Niekerk and Pierre Spies make way for Solly Tyibilika and Jacques Cronje, and Albert van den Berg come in for injured lock Danie Rossouw.

After missing much of the last three years with injury, James looks set to start his first test since 2002 on Saturday or at least play a significant role off the bench as coach Jake White regards him a key figure heading into next year's World Cup.

James' bone-shaking defence is a key asset but he will need to ensure he doesn't resort to the shoulder charges -- sometimes late -- which have marred his reputation.

Second five-eighth Tuitupou will be in James' sights if the Springboks defend one-out.

It's not something that will give the Aucklander sleepless nights, even if James is in one of his more reckless moods.

"Growing up you play in the village games and those are the sorts of tackles you get," Tuitupou smiled.

"It's just something when you're a ball runner. Especially when you play against the islanders, that's the way they tackle so I'm quite used to that, getting a few high shots.

"I've played against him for a couple of seasons now. He is a good tackler but it's something that doesn't change the way I play."

Tuitupou, who this week replaces first-choice No 12 Aaron Mauger, hoped the All Blacks backs would handle the Springboks rush defence cleverly.

They spent the week discussing the importance of accurate passing and sweet foot work.

"It's about being able to react to the defenders coming out," Tuitupou said.

"Obviously if you're rushing up at 100 miles an hour, one little step and they do lose their balance.

"When they rush up they leave holes on the inside as well. I guess that's where the Aussies exploited them last week."

It is not just James' defence that has the Springboks excited.

South African selection convener Pieter Jooste told South African journalists the James had the potential through the variety in his game to create some All Blacks angst.

"The sort of straight running Butch does is much more dangerous to the defence because they can't just drift across," he said.

"Against New Zealand, if you keep kicking them into the corners and stopping their momentum, they can crack under the pressure.

"They get frustrated far easier than the Australians, who always seem to have several ways of bursting through."

James wasn't talking himself up, telling journalists before he flew from home that it was important the Springboks simply set about restoring some pride.

"I admit that I was disappointed to see the Springboks doing so badly last Saturday. They just didn't click," he said.

"But all I can do is go out there and give it my best shot."

Whether he played or not, James predicted South Africa's rush defence would function better.

It had served them well under White since 2004 but needed a complete understanding or it could have disastrous consequences -- namely seven Wallabies tries at Brisbane

"I think that when it was first introduced it worked well. But I'm not sure if everyone's bought into it, and it's the type of defence that everybody has to get right for it to work," James said.

"The changes to the side may have also effected this structure, and perhaps a few of the players need to get to know each other better. Who knows, it may come right this week."

- NZPA