TRI-NATIONS:FRANS STEYN has been recalled to the South Africa starting team at fullback for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Hamilton.

Steyn was promoted from the bench at the expense of Ruan Pienaar in the only change to the Springboks side that suffered their first loss of the series to Australia last weekend.

“It’s a case of horses-for-courses,” Springboks coach Peter de Villiers said. “With Dan Carter at flyhalf for the All Blacks we are expecting them to kick quite a bit and Frans will be able to play a key role with his big boot.”

The Springboks had delayed the naming of their team by 24 hours because of a hamstring injury to wing Bryan Habana and a groin problem with number eight Pierre Spies. Both were included in the side named yesterday but de Villiers said they would continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the match.

The Springboks lead New Zealand by nine points in the standings although the All Blacks have a game in hand. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw admitted the All Blacks’ pride – particularly that of the forwards – had taken a hit when they lost their opening two games in South Africa.

“You never like to be beaten in that area. There’s no doubt that that’s where we were a bit disappointed the last time,” McCaw said. “Their tight five certainly created a pretty good platform.”

SOUTH AFRICA (v New Zealand, Hamilton, Sat): F Steyn, O Ndungane, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; Morne Steyn, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J Smit (capt), B Botha, V Matfield, H Brussow, J Smith, P Spies. Replacements: C Ralepelle, J du Plessis, D Rossouw, S Burger, R Januarie, A Jacobs, R Pienaar.