South Africa out to make progress

SOUTH AFRICA, having changed half the side that triumphed in the World Cup in 1995, must prove against France in Paris today they are making the right sort of progress to the 1999 World Cup.

They are without inspirational leader Francois Pienaar, one of five changes new coach Andre Markgraaf has made to the pack, while Henry Honiball takes over from outside half Joel Stransky, who dropped the winning goal in the 1995 final against New Zealand.

The charismatic Chester Williams has also reached his sell by date and is replaced by Jacque Olivier on the left wing.

"Nobody likes change but there comes a time when you have to make a few hard decisions," said Markgraaf, who denied All Black Josh Kronfeld's claims he had made the Springboks predictable.

"You have to have world class set pieces to go anywhere and this is probably the sector of our game that has progressed the quickest. It doesn't mean were are neglecting the rest.

French coach Jean Claude, Skrela said the Boks were playing to traditional strengths.

"They set up some very strong rolling mauls from lineout ball and have proved lethal at close quarters. It's something we have worked hard on. You can't afford to miss the first tackle and we have been concentrating on tackling the legs," he said.

Gary Teichmann, the 29 year old Natal number eight, who has taken over from World Cup hero Francois Pienaar, said they were eager to get back into action after two weeks off following the two Test triumph in Argentina.

France's preparations have been disrupted by injuries which have forced out captain Philippe Saint Andre, wing Emile Ntamack, locks Olivier Roumat and Olivier Merle, centre Thomas Castaignede and out half Alain Penaud.

Guillaume Bouic, who had a good game for the French Barbarians against the Springbok B side, wins his first cap in place of Castaignede.

Richard Dourthe moves from centre to right wing, where he will also be the main place kicker, while Toulouse's David Berty comes in on the left wing.