Rugby Union: South Africa shuffle pack for Wallabies

SOUTH AFRICA face Australia in their final Tri-Nations match at Newlands today still suffering from the effects of a disastrous season so far.

Only a year ago, the Springboks won the Tri-Nations tournament on their way to a record-equalling 19-match unbeaten run. Now their coach, Nick Mallett, and his team are facing a fifth consecutive defeat, something that has not happened for 34 years.

Brendan Venter and Jannie de Beer are both recalled as the Springboks make four changes, three of them forced by injury. Venter is partnered by Robbie Fleck, who replaces the injured Andre Snyman. In the pack, Andre Vos starts as a flanker.

The Wallabies field a new front row of Andrew Blades and Richard Harry and the hooker Phil Kearns. The physically more imposing Tom Bowman is at lock and Toutai Kefu at No 8.