Danger signs for All Blacks as culled Boks find their focus

DURBAN - Halving the size of the South African squad has made them a far more dangerous outfit, according to halfback Joost van der Westhuizen.

The Springboks appeared to be a different team in their 26-22 victory against Australia last weekend compared with their hesitancy in narrow wins over lesser lights Scotland and Argentina.

Van der Westhuizen was adamant it was because their squad had been reduced, creating excitement among team-mates previously unsure about their status as coach Rudolf Straeuli rotated his selections.

"Beforehand we had a squad of 47 guys and you tended to lose focus and concentration," van der Westhuizen said. "Before the Australia test we went down to 24-26 guys. The moment we started to bottle-neck team selection - that's where we picked up the focus.

"We had a brilliant week of preparation before that test because the guys knew they had a chance of making the World Cup squad.

"When they realised that, the players just clicked."

The veteran halfback is sure to be a central figure tomorrow. He will play his last test in South Africa and at his home ground, Loftus Versfeld, where he is worshipped.

He said last weekend's win was crucial because it had given his players confidence. Their mood was at its highest point since the disastrous 53-3 loss to England at Twickenham in November.

Van der Westhuizen took heart that it was the first time since 1998 that the Springboks had won their opening Tri-Nations test - and that year they went on to claim the trophy for the first and only time.

Straeuli has kept faith with his winning team.

He has made three changes, but all were injury-related. Fullback Brent Russell, left winger Ashwin Willemse and centre Andre Snyman replace Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Thinus Delport and Marius Joubert respectively.

Joost Van der Westhuizen said the right mix of power and brains would be critical if they were to end their four-test losing run against the All Blacks.

"We have to dominate. It's not a matter of wanting to ... we must do," he said, adding they needed to be smart with it.

"One mistake and they will penalise you. We just have to be physical and sharp."

- NZPA