Springboks game against Italy no gentle warm-up

By STEPHEN NELL

The Springboks will have a brand new pairing in the halves on the pitch in Neil de Kock and Percy Montgomery for this weekend's match against Italy and impressive performances from both could see them emerge as pivotal figures in South Africa's Tri-Nations campaign.

South Africa's clash with Italy in Port Elizabeth should have been a gentle warm-up for the Tri-Nations.

Instead, it has become a frantic search for answers to some uncomfortable questions - against sub-standard opposition.

One of those centre round the halfback/first-five pairing, where Viljoen desperately needs a halfback who can clear the ball quickly, with Joost van der Westhuizen's performances against France suggesting he is past his use-by date.

With distribution a crucial element in maximising the strengths of the outside backs, Stormers star De Kock will get his big chance this weekend to prove he can be the link coach Harry Viljoen is looking for.

Just how much a clash against a weakened Italy will say about the 22-year-old's ability is open to debate, but Viljoen's first flirtation with the crisp pass that seduced Stormers coach Alan Solomons into separating with Dan van Zyl earlier this year is a significant one.

Importantly, however, the game will provide De Kock with a first taste of international rugby, which means that it won't be too uncomfortable if he's asked to do the job in the Tri-Nations.

Similarly, the ankle injury that ruled Gaffie du Toit out of the game has opened up new possibilities for Montgomery, who should now be South Africa's back-up first five-eighths for the Tri-Nations.

Montgomery can, however, ensure a place in the starting line-up at fullback or first-five if he proves he can achieve a better than average goalkicking ratio this weekend. He kicked six out of 10 in the first French test while the now suspended Butch James slotted five from nine in Durban.

The latter's performance with the boot, however, nearly cost the Boks the test and it's unlikely that the responsibility will be his against quality opposition such as Australia and New Zealand.

That said, James's all-round game is still the most appealing prospect for South Africa at first-five.

"Percy can play all over from No 15 to 10," said Viljoen.

"Neil's quick around the pitch, but his strength is that he clears quickly from the ground.

"We always said we'd use the whole squad and this is the last chance to give all the players an opportunity. We're still experimenting."

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Japie Mulder, Thinus Delport, Percy Montgomery, Neil de Kock, Bob Skinstad (captain), Andre Venter, Andre Vos, Mark Andrews, Johan Ackermann, Willie Meyer, John Smit, Ollie le Roux.

Reserves: Lukas van Biljon, Etienne Fynn, Victor Matfield, Corne Krige, Joost van der Westhuizen, Deon Kayser, Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

- INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS (SOUTH AFRICA)