After dispatching the All Blacks in a show of guts and determination last weekend, Australian fans were looking forward to this weekend's clash with much anticipation. Unfortunately, the Springbok management have decided to rest 20 of their top players, making this match a far less appetising prospect.

The Wallabies have made a few changes, some through injury, and one due to Lote Tuqiri's suspension. Hooker Stephen Moore and No.8 Wycliff Palu are both injured, paving the way for Adam Freyer and Stephen Hoiles to start, while fit-again lock Hugh McMeniman returns to join the reserves.

Winger Tuqiri was suspended by the team for two games after missing a recovery session and failing a breath alcohol test following last Saturday's game, which means he will not play again until the World Cup opener against Japan in September. His place is taken by Mark Gerrard while Drew Mitchell returns to the bench.

'After suffering a narrow defeat to the Springboks' first-choice team, it is hard to see this Wallabies side losing this one'


The Springboks have only two players in their starting XV who began against the Wallabies two weeks ago. With changes made in virtually every position, it is difficult to gauge how this squad will perform.

Bulls fly half Derek Hougaard replaces Butch James and will give the Boks a good tactical kicking game as well as a rock-steady goalkicker. Breyton Paulse returns to the wing, while fullback Bevin Fortuin makes his international debut.

After suffering a narrow defeat to the Springboks' first-choice team, it is hard to see this Wallabies side  losing this one. The emotional factor of it being the last home game for half-backs Larkham, 33, and Gregan, 34, combined with playing in Australian rugby's Sydney stronghold, will see the Wallabies fired up and looking to avenge their initial loss.

Both teams had their scrums dismantled by the All Blacks so will be looking to restore some pride in that area. Of the two forward packs, the Springboks were the closest match for the powerful All Blacks eight, but with only hooker Gary Botha and newly-promoted captain Bobby Skinstad remaining from that game, it is difficult to know how the South Africans will fare.

In the back line, the Wallabies have a clear advantage, with game breakers such as Matt Giteau in midfield, alongside last week's man of the match Stirling Mortlock. And with veteran playmakers Gregan and Larkham there to set them up, it will only be a matter of time before the Australian backs cut loose.

The Wallabies showed they were prepared to wait for their chances against the All Blacks, recycling the ball for phase after phase while they waited for an opportunity, and taking their chances when they came. The Springboks became frustrated by their inability to create chances in the face of a smothering defence and resorted to foul play, something the match officials will already be aware of.

A victory would send the Wallabies to the top of the Tri-Nations table and with South Africa fielding a second-string team, make the New Zealand v Australia clash on July 21 the deciding game of the 2007 Tri-Nations.