South Africa bring in Venter

Tri-Nations News: South Africa hope AJ Venter will give them a physical edge in their Tri-Nations test decider against Australia in Durban on Saturday. Venter's inclusion at Gerrie Britz's expense is the sole change from the 15 who started last weekend's 40-26 win over New Zealand.

"Maybe we need to be more destructive at the breakdowns, and I think AJ offers us that," coach Jake White said. "What AJ did for us in the Perth test match (which Australia won 30-26) and against the Pacific Islanders (South Africa won 38-24) is something we need for this fixture.

"It's AJ's home ground, he's played in four Currie Cup finals, and his experience in handling the pressure of a final will be needed this weekend."

Victory will give the Springboks their second Tri-Nations title. "A lot of people perceive South African play as just to dominate with the forwards and have a 10-man style of play," said White."But we've always produced backs as well, players like Danie Gerber, Carel du Plessis, Gysie Pienaar and Ray Mordt."

Lively banter has erupted between White and Australian coach Eddie Jones, who has been quoted as saying the South Africans have launched a "hate the Wallabies" campaign.

White added fuel to the fire in explaining the Springboks' decision to involve former players Shaun Povey and Doug Heymans as scrummaging experts. "It's important that we get other guys in, because if they (Australia) do come up with anything that borders on illegality then they will be able to help us combat that," White said.

"They get blown quite a lot for their scrumming tactics. That's probably why they've got to work out tactics that will suit them."

Springbok captain John Smit said Wallaby winger Clyde Rathbone, who captained South Africa at the 2002 under-21 World Cup, could expect a cool reception in his former home town.

"He (Rathbone) put his foot down firmly in the first test and made it very clear that he was Australian, so I think he'll be treated like any other Australian coming to Durban," Smit said.

SOUTH AFRICA: P Montgomery; B Paulse, M Joubert, D Barry, J de Villiers; J van der Westhuyzen, B Conradie; O du Randt, J Smit (captain), E Andrews, B Botha, V Matfield,S Burger, AJ Venter, J van Niekerk. Replacements (from): H Shimange, CJ van der Linde, G Britz, J Cronje, F du Preez, G du Toit, B Russell.