Wallabies expect less kicking in Tri-Nations closer

JOHANNESBURG - The Wallabies expect a more open game with less kicking when they meet the Springboks in the final Tri-nations match of the season in Johannesburg on Saturday, with the South Africans fielding a new-look backline and the title already clinched by New Zealand.

The Australians scraped to a 20-18 win over the Springboks in their last meeting, in Sydney on Aug 5, a match characterised by an abundance of kicking.

South Africa, backing the ability of their lineout, often kicked the ball to the Wallabies who, deliberately trying to avoid lineouts, generally kicked the ball back to them.

The Australians, who have the most experienced backline in the game, prefer to play open, running rugby and South Africa seem set to adopt a similar style as they have a counter-attacking fullback, a centre playing on the wing, another wing not known for kicking and a running first five-eighths.

The 20-year-old JP Pietersen will make his debut at fullback as Springbok coach Jake White continues to look for back-up to fatigued veteran Percy Montgomery in the number 15 jersey, with Jaque Fourie shifting back to outside centre and Wynand Olivier moving to wing to partner Akona Ndungane.

Andre Pretorius, who replaced Butch James as the starting first five-eighths in last weekend's surprise win over the All Blacks, was able to spark his backline and the Springboks should play far more expansively on Saturday, keeping ball in hand a lot more.

"I think all the supporters in the world hope Saturday's test is not like Sydney," Australian attack coach Scott Johnson said. "What happened then was that we tried to play in a different way, but both sides were trying to outwit each other and we ended up with a very unusual test match.

"Their backline is now full of willing, running players and Pretorius is a very good player who is an attacking threat with ball in hand," Johnson said.

The Wallabies have not played since losing 34-27 to the All Blacks in Auckland on Aug. 19.

Coach John Connolly said the break had done his players good.

"The players needed a break and they have freshened up a considerable amount. They've played a lot of rugby this year and we've been in the uncharted territory of having six Tri-nations games," he said.

The Australians must counter a powerful Springbok pack if they are to win for the first time in South Africa since 2000 and for the first time at high-altitude Ellis Park since 1963.

- REUTERS