Viljoen makes three changes for Wallabies test

By JOSLYN TITUS

Fullback Percy Montgomery has been spared the expected boos from the Pretoria crowd when he was dropped from the Springbok squad for Sunday morning's (NZT) Tri-Nations test against Australia.

In his place is Conrad Jantjes, the 21-year-old utility back who will start in only his second Test, following his debut against Italy on June 30.

Jantjes was one of three changes from the team who were beaten 12-3 by the All Blacks last week.

Braam van Straaten plays his first test since the game against England in December. The Stormers player was selected at centre in place of the injured Marius Joubert.

Lock Victor Matfield was not considered because of a cracked eye socket but is expected to be fit for the next Test against Australia in Perth. Johan Ackermann replaces Matfield.

Fullback Thinus Delport and flank Corne Krige are on the bench.

Mark Andrews will have a fitness test later tonight (NZT) and if he fails Andre Venter will move to lock and Krige to the starting line-up.

Jantjes' inclusion has as much to do with coach Harry Viljoen's commitment to transformation as with the desire to spare Montgomery embarrassment.

If Jantjes has a blinder against the world champions, however, Montgomery will have a hard time fighting his way back into the side.

Montgomery was jeered the last time he visited Loftus Versfeld in 1999, and was lucky to escape the same treatment last Sunday when he missed three out of four kicks on his home ground at Newlands.

Australian coach Eddie Jones has named a predictable side.

Lock David Giffin returns after he missed the series decider against the Lions two weeks ago because of injury. He replaces Justin Harrison, who was man of the match in the 29-23 third test win over the Lions in Sydney.

"Dave (Giffin) is an important player to the Wallabies and certainly deserves his place back," said Jones.

"To have Justin play such a good game against the Lions obviously puts the pressure on," the coach added.

Queensland first five-eighths Elton Flatley, who can also play at inside centre, will start ahead of Manuel Edmonds of New South Wales.

Jones said he expected the Springboks to play the physical game for which they were renowned.

"I think they could revert to a more conservative style.

"In the first test against France they tended to play a more expansive style and then went back to a more physical style in the second test, and it wouldn't surprise us if they did that on Saturday," the Australian coach said.

Wallaby captain John Eales warned that his side was wary of the wounded Boks after their defeat against the All Blacks last week.

"The Springboks played well in that test, they just didn't finish off.

"It's not hard for a side to turn that around," he added.

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Braam van Straaten, Dean Hall, Butch James, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bobby Skinstad (captain), Andre Venter, Andre Vos, Mark Andrews, Johan Ackermann, Cobus Visagie, Lukas van Biljon, Robbie Kempson.

Reserves: John Smit, Ollie le Roux, Corne Krige, Joe van Niekerk, Neil de Kock, Deon Kayser and Thinus Delport.

Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Nathan Grey, Joe Roff, Elton Flatley, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, Owen Finegan, John Eales (captain), David Giffin, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles.

Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, David Lyons, Chris Whittaker, Manuel Edmonds, Chris Latham.

Referee: David McHugh (Ireland).

- INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS (SOUTH AFRICA)