Tri-Nations: The Springboks will start the defence of a Tri-Nations title for only the second time in the history of the tournament when they take on the Wallabies in Pretoria today in the rare position of being favourites.
In 2004, South Africa won the title for the second time, emulating the 1998 side. Australia have also only won the title twice while New Zealand have won it five times.
The Springboks have not lost at home under coach Jake White, who guided them to the title last year, and start the match as favourites after beating Australia 33-20 in a Mandela Challenge at Ellis Park last week.
But the Tri-Nations has always been a difficult competition for the South Africans, who have finished last five times (1999-2003) in the nine-year history of the tournament. They have also won the fewest games - 13 of 36 - and not won away from home since 1998.
But Australia have never won at Loftus Versfeld, scene of today's match, though the Springboks were not getting ahead of themselves.
"I think our approach this year is vastly different to last year," Springbok captain John Smit said.
"Last year we had everything to prove because we had just come together as a new side under Jake (White). Now, as defending champions, we have to take a different outlook and maintain those standards we set and better them every weekend.
"I suppose as defending champions the opposition might want to beat us just that little more so it's probably going to be tougher than last year.
"I sincerely hope that New Zealand and Australia take us seriously now because we worked extremely hard to turn things around regarding people's attitude towards Springbok rugby."
While White described the build-up to the Test as one of the best he could remember, Australia endured a difficult week after the loss in Johannesburg and disciplinary issues that saw fines and suspensions for four players.
"I've probably not known a week like this . . . but I'm happy with the way the players have responded," said coach Eddie Jones.
Jones admitted his team had struggled with the altitude of Johannesburg (1,750 metres) and the hostile crowd but insisted they would be better in Pretoria, which is also at altitude.
"We will have to be physical in the first 20 minutes and if we are we will give ourselves a chance.
"The Tri-Nations is going to be a high-quality competition when you look at how New Zealand have gone against the Lions and shown they have a squad of 28 or 30 who can play for the All Blacks. "The Springboks have at least 30 and while we don't have that depth . . . we're gradually improving in that area."
SOUTH AFRICA: Percy Montgomery; Breyton Paulse, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez; Gurthro Steenkamp, John Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Jacques Cronje. Replacements: Gary Botha, Lawrence Sephaka, Albert van den Berg, Schalk Burger, Ricky Januarie, Wayne Julies, Jaco van der Westhuysen.
AUSTRALIA: Chris Latham; Wendell Sailor, Morgan Turinui, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (capt); Bill Young, Jeremy Paul, Mat Dunning, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, John Roe, George Smith, David Lyons. Replacements: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Phil Waugh, Chris Whitaker, Stirling Mortlock, Drew Mitchell.
Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand).
Remaining fixtures: August 6th: South Africa v New Zealand. August 13th: Australia v New Zealand. August 20th: Australia v South Africa. August 27th: New Zealand v South Africa. September 3rd: New Zealand v Australia.
