DURBAN - Lock Victor Matfield will captain a Springboks team with just two changes to face the All Blacks in Sunday's Tri-Nations rugby test at Absa Stadium in Durban.
Matfield was confirmed as the 52nd Springboks captain by coach Jake White last night after regular skipper John Smitwas ruled out with a hamstring strain.
The changes from last weekend's 22-19 win over the Wallabies in the tournament opener were Gary Botha in for Smit and veteran prop Os du Randt, recalled in place of Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserve hooker Bismarck du Plessis is the only uncapped player.
Flanker Juan Smith was included subject to fitness after suffering a thigh injury in the bruising Wallabies test in Cape Town, their fourth consecutive victory at home this year.
White said Matfield was a clear choice as captain. He has already proved his credentials this year, leading the Bulls to their first Super 14 title last month with victory over the Sharks in the final in Durban.
Smit's injury ends a record run of 46 consecutive tests for the Springboks, 42 of them as captain.
South African reports yesterday said the injury might rule him out for the entire Tri-Nations.
Wing Bryan Habana and halfback Fourie du Preez weren't considered because of injury.
Assistant coach Gert Smal said yesterday the test against the All Blacks was "every South African boy's dream". It is also their last test on home soil before the World Cup.
"The All Blacks are always a very physical side. If you want to beat them you have to match them physically otherwise you don't stand a chance."
South Africa
15. Percy Montgomery
14. Ashwin Wilemse
13. Jaque Fourie
12. Jean de Villiers
11. JP Pietersen
10. Butch James
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield (cpt)
4. Bakkies Botha
3. BJ Botha
2. Gary Botha
1. Os du Randt
Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Michael Classens, Wynand Olivier, Francois Steyn.
