Springbok youngster in at fullback

DURBAN - Fullback Percy Montgomery was dropped yesterday as South Africa made three changes for the Tri-Nations match against Australia in Pretoria on Sunday.

Two of the switches were forced by injury, with Braam van Straaten coming in for Marius Joubert at centre and Johan Ackermann replacing lock Victor Matfield, who suffered a serious eye injury in last weekend's defeat by the All Blacks.

"The doctor said Victor could lose the eye if we play him," Springbok coach Harry Viljoen said.

Conrad Jantjes, aged 21, comes in at fullback for the out-of-form Montgomery.

Van Straaten's inclusion has a tactical element. The Springboks are hoping his dependable boot will solve the kicking problems which were one of the factors in the 3-12 loss to New Zealand in Cape Town.

Viljoen said Jantjes had earned his chance to replace Montgomery, who missed three kicks at goal against New Zealand.

"Conrad is getting his opportunity after playing well against Italy [on June 30]," Viljoen said.

"He's a young player with a lot of talent and a lot of potential, and it's the ideal opportunity to play him. I believe he's up to it."

With his other first-choice lock, Mark Andrews, carrying a strained ankle, Viljoen is aware that South Africa's lineout options could be limited against the innovative Australians.

"With [injured lock] Albert [van den Berg] and Victor not there, it is an area of concern, but there are ways to overcome that and we've been working hard on them," Viljoen said.

The Wallabies trained in Pretoria for the first time yesterday as coach Eddie Jones finalised preparations for his first match in charge of the national team.

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Braam van Straaten, Dean Hall, Butch James, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bob Skinstad (capt), Andre Venter, Andre Vos, Mark Andrews, Johan Ackermann, Cobus Visagie, Lukas van Biljon, Robbie Kempson. Reserves: John Smit, Ollie le Roux, Corne Krige, Johann van Niekerk, Neil de Kock, Deon Kayser, Thinus Delport.

Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Elton Flatley, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (capt), David Giffin, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles. Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whitaker, Manuel Edmonds, Chris Latham.

- NZPA