Two changes for Springboks

South Africa have made two changes to their starting line up for the match against England on Saturday.

Prop Bismarck du Plessis injured his hamstring and Juan Smith suffered a head injury in the victory over Scotland and both players aren’t available.

Jannie Du Plessis comes in for his brother and Danie Rossouw replaces Smith at flanker in an otherwise unchanged Springboks team.

Percy calls it a day

After becoming the first South Africa international to receive 100 caps, Percy Montgomery has decided to retire from International rugby.

The 34-year-old played a major role in helping the Springboks lift the World Cup in France and has made 102 test appearances for the country, wracking up 893 points.

He commented, “I have had many memorable moments in a Springbok jersey and it has been a privilege to play for my country and to go around the world playing against so many great players of other countries. There have been plenty of highs and lows in my career, and it’s been an honour to wear the Springbok jersey. But it is time to go.”

Montgomery is 100 and out

South Africa full-back Percy Montgomery has been dropped to the bench for South Africa’s upcoming match against Australia, less than a week after winning his 100th cap.

The 34-year-old is one of the players that has paid the price after the disappointing 19-0 defeat to New Zealand and is replaced by Conrad Jantjes.

The full line-ups read:

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes; JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe; Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger; Victor Matfield (capt), Andries Bekker, CJ van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Brian Mujati, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Frans Steyn, Percy Montgomery.

Australia: Drew Mitchell, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, 11. Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Daniel Vickerman, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Ryan Cross

New Zealand continue good form

New Zealand won a tight game with South Africa to continue their good form and extend their lead at the top of the Tri-Nations table.

Although the game finished 19-0 in the All Blacks’ favour, it was only 5-0 heading into the final quarter.

Conrad Smith got the first try early on but it was much later when Dan Carter finally sealed the win, before Keven Mealamu added a third late on.

Carter completed two conversions after missing a host of kicking chances in the first half.

Montgomery set to make history

South Africa’s Percy Montgomery is set to make history on Saturday and become the first player to represent the Springboks 100 times.

The 34-year-old full back is already the countries all-time leading points scorer and has a World Cup winners medal from this years victory.

Africa coach Peter de Villiers expects the same level of performance as always from Montgomery. He commented, “The professional player that he is now and the experience he brings to the side is extraordinary. Even when he’s not playing, he’s the same player and the same character.

South Africa star banned for 3 weeks

Bismark du Plessis has been handed a three game ban after being found guilty of careless contact with the eyes of New Zealand’s Adam Thomson.

Plessis, 24, will now miss the world champion’s clash with Australia with Adriaan Strauss called up to replace him.

It was originally believed by New Zealand that du Plessis deliberately eye-gouged Thomson but after reviewing evidence and testimony, the verdict of accidental but careless contact has been reached.

Montgomery expects tougher test

South Africa full back Percy Montgomery expects a stern examination of his World Cup winning side when they face Wales on Saturday in Pretoria.

The last time this fixture was played at Loftus Versfeld, South Africa crushed Wales 96-13 with Montgomery himself getting 31 points.

He commented, “Wales have raised their game so much since, they’re a proud rugby nation and will be up for this.”

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Gatland, the best coach in the world says De Villiers

South Africa’s first black coach Peter De Villiers says Warren Gatland is currently the best coach in the world.

De Villiers takes charge of South Africa for the first time against Gatland’s Wales in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

De Villiers seems impressed with Wales especially after their six nations triumph and says they did not win the Six Nations by watching the game.

“They know what they are doing. And in Warren Gatland they have the best coach in world rugby at present,” he said.

De Villiers, who succeeded Jake White in the Bok hot-seat will be looking to continue the Springbok’s fine form. They are firm favourites and are looking at maintaining a great winning streak.

However De Villiers is taking nothing for granted as Springbok fans are notoriously unforgiving when the team fails to deliver the goods and De Villiers is well aware it is imperative South Africa start their 2008 campaign in winning fashion.

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