PETER DE VILLIERS  v  ROBBIE DEANS

Deans says he had to make changes from last week because the Durban Test took so much out his men. The need for fresh legs was paramount, he says. And they were the winners! By contrast, De Villiers has kept the same side, apart from two forced changes. One of them has got it hopelessly wrong, the other spot-on. It remains to be seen which is which but after being booed and jeered in Durban, De Villiers can’t afford to be wrong here. Yet the ‘Boks are playing their fourth Test in successive weeks, a hell of a tough ask.

JEAN DE VILLIERS  v  TIMANA TAHU

This may be Tahu’s first start in a rugby union international but don’t be misled; this guy oozes class. He can step, power through and break the line as well as (most dangerous of all) off-loading in the tackle. Can de Villiers outshine him? It’s been a good season for the Stormers man and his game held up well amid the collapse of many others last week. But he still needs to improve his off-loading. Too often he makes a half break then dies with the ball. It’s a trait he must eliminate from his game to reach his absolute peak.

VICTOR MATFIELD  v  HUGH MCMENIMAN (pictured)

He’s only .1 of a centimetre smaller and is in fact 4kgs heavier than the Springbok. Nevertheless, this is a significant test for McMeniman who is more usually known as a flanker than a lock. If the real Matfield stands up in Johannesburg, all the Wallabies will have problems, especially McMeniman. In the absence of John Smit, the captaincy seems to have distracted him from his game but Matfield has answered his critics before in emphatic style and he could do again. The truth is he has to if the Springboks are to end their dismal Tri-Nations season on a winning note.

BISMARCK DU PLESSIS  v  TATAFU POLOTA-NAU

Polota-Nau’s selection represents a real gamble by Robbie Deans. He’s never been renowned for his throwing and it has wobbled precariously at times during this Tri-Nations season, most notably in Auckland when the All Blacks stole eight Australian throws. But Du Plessis’s own throwing in Durban wasn’t the best and he has to make amends for that. But just as crucially, the Sharks man has to learn the value of off-loading when carrying the ball. Ignoring overlaps and going it alone might mean he has ‘cojones’ but not enough common sense. A vital match-up, this one.

SCHALK BURGER  v  PHIL WAUGH

The Wallaby wins the starting role this week and he has a huge task. Dominate the breakdown like George Smith did in Perth and the Springboks could be headed for yet another loss. The breakdown is now THE crucial area of the game and Waugh has the build to get in lowest and scrabble for the ball on the ground. Can Burger do that ? The jury is out. He has the heart of a lion but has thus far lacked the execution and precision needed at this level. His body is his chief weapon but Burger needs to out-think his rival.

ODWA NDUNGANE  v  LOTE TUQIRI

Ndungane is recalled due to JP Pietersen’s injury and he’ll need to be fully switched on mentally and hit the ground running against the dangerous Australian. Tuqiri has power and pace but a whole lot more. He reads a game, can see opportunities and cuts devastating angles, like the one which led to his try in Durban. The Springbok can expect some hard physical challenges from the muscular Tuqiri, he’ll also need to be secure under the high ball going backwards and must concentrate throughout. Not too much to worry about then!