Wallabies to stick with up-tempo style of play

SYDNEY - Australia coach Eddie Jones vows his side will stick to their up-tempo game plan for Saturday night's rugby test against South Africa here at Telstra Stadium.

The Wallabies have started the international season in an attacking frame of mind, scoring 180 points in the opening three matches against Samoa, Italy and France.

Their match against the French on the weekend resembled a Barbarians match at times with both teams prepared to throw the ball all over the field as Australia prevailed 37-31 in Brisbane.

Australia's exuberance proved costly at times, Chris Latham's wild pass gifting French winger Cedric Heymans an easy touchdown as the visitors scored four tries on the night.

The hard-hitting Springboks are aiming to put a stop to Australia's free-running game, having selected a monster pack today to catch the Wallabies on the hop in the Mandela Challenge opener in Sydney.

However Jones tonight said the Australians would not be detouring from their expansive style of play.

"It is a different sort of game against South Africa, (they) are probably more brutal at the contest than France," Jones said.

"But we have shown our cards and that is how we want to play and how we think we can be successful.

"We are not hiding the fact we want to play an up-tempo game."

Jones also backed Mat Giteau to retain the kicking duties despite the second five-eighth only landing two from eight in Brisbane.

"He only kicked in about three games during the Super 12 and he is definitely a bit rusty and he needs a bit of work but he will get that over the week," Jones said.

"The last game in England (in November) he won the game for us on the back of his boot and his percentage was 83 per cent on that tour and he is not far from his best."

Jones said centre Stirling Mortlock remained in doubt and in-form Morgan Turinui can claim the No.13 jumper in Mortlock's absence.

The NSW centre fitted in neatly against the French on the weekend with his deft passing and direct running causing havoc for the tourists.

Captain George Gregan (back) trained today while vice-captain Nathan Sharpe (hand) sat out the session, however Jones was confident both would be able to overcome niggling injuries.

Jones was keeping his selection cards close to his chest tonight but Phil Waugh was expected to slip onto the bench in the only other likely change.

The second leg of the Mandela Challenge will be played on July 23 in Johannesburg with Australia remaining in South Africa for their opening Tri-Nations match against the 'Boks on July 30 in Pretoria.

The Wallabies team will be named tomorrow.

- AAP