Springboks make five changes

8.15am

The introduction of skilful midfield back Gcobani Bobo is a feature of a South African team containing five changes for the Tri-Nations rugby test against the All Blacks at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Saturday.

Bobo replaces hard-tackling De Wet Barry at second five-eighth to earn his fourth test cap and first of this year's Tri-Nations.

Bobo partners Cats team-mate and centre Jorrie Muller in the midfield, giving the Springboks their seventh different midfield combination in seven tests this year.

There are two other changes in the backs. Thinus Delport replaces Andre Pretorius at fullback although the latter has been selected on the bench despite injuring his knee at training this week.

Veteran halfback Joost van der Westhuizen will play his 85th test.

Craig Davidson, who started in the 9-29 loss to Australia in Brisbane last Saturday, has been dropped from the squad altogether.

Neil de Kock comes onto the bench for his first taste of test rugby this year, as does hooker Lucas van Biljon and uncapped prop Christo Bezuidenhout.

The two changes to the starting forward pack are both forced due to the suspensions of lock Bakkie Botha and prop Robbie Kempson for illegal play against the Wallabies.

Giant Bulls lock Geo Cronje will make his test debut while loosehead prop Lawrence Sephaka comes in for his 13th cap.

The test is the Springboks' last before the World Cup and coach Rudolf Straeuli said he wanted a last look at certain combinations.

"We have also taken into account our strengths, those of the All Blacks and the anticipated weather conditions," Straeuli told South African reporters.

"We wanted more of a physical presence in our back three, Bobo is due game time and Joost's experience cannot be overstated given the relative inexperience of our backs at this level.

"De Wet has been one of our best performers in the Tri-Nations. He has really put his body on the line in the past few weeks.

"Bobo has trained well and waited patiently. He deserves game time. Jorrie (Muller) and Bobo have also played together for most of the Super 12 so the adjustment has not been dramatic."

Barry's relegation to the bench was explained as a squad rotation, Delport's return at fullback was a selection specific to this test match and van der Westhuizen added experience to an inexperienced back division.

"We don't see it as a gamble playing Geo in his first test against New Zealand," Straeuli said.

"He is a very good prospect and it should be made slightly easier for him having (lock) Victor Matfield, (hooker) Danie Coetzee and (prop) Richard Bands around him. He has played with these guys all season."

South Africa: Thinus Delport, Stefan Terblanche, Jorrie Muller, Ashwin Willemse, Gcobani Bobo, Louis Koen, Joose van der Westhuizen, Juan Smith, Joe van Niekerk, Victor Matfield, Geo Cronje, Corne Krige (captain), Richard Bands, Danie Coetzee, Lawrence Sephaka.

Reserves: Lucas van Biljon, Christo Bezuidenhout, Selborne Boome, Pedrie Wannenburg, Neil de Kock, De Wet Barry, Andre Pretorius.

- NZPA