’Boks face the acid test from All Blacks

SOUTH AFRICA can prove their Tri-Nations triumph over Australia was no fluke by beating greatest rivals New Zealand at Loftus Stadium today.

Record losses in France, Scotland and England late last year and fortunate warm-up wins over Scotland and Argentina reduced the Springboks to outsiders despite having home advantage over the Wallabies last weekend.

But inspired performances from replacement fullback Brent Russell and centre De Wet Barry triggered a massive improvement that led to a 26-22 victory in the opening match of the annual southern hemisphere rugby union championship.

Coach Rudolf Straeuli wanted to retain the team for the clash with the All Blacks before a sell-out 50,000 crowd, but injuries ruled out Marius Joubert (shoulder) and Thinus Delport (hamstring).

Experienced Andre Snyman replaces Joubert and Ashwin Willemse returns in place of Delport after missing the Argentina Test through injury. 'Pocket Rocket' Russell stays as Jaco van der Westuhuysen has not recovered.

Delport was one of the few Boks to underperform against the Wallabies at Newlands in Cape Town, battling to contain Wendell Sailor while making little impact on attack.

Veteran Joost van der Westhuizen plays his final Test at his home ground and will depart the international stage after the World Cup in Australia during October and November.

"There is no easy way to beat the All Blacks. There are no short cuts. We have to dominate them physically. It is as simple as that. And they will be determined to do the same to us," warned Van der Westhuizen.

The All Blacks are seeking a Tri-Nations hat-trick in South Africa having won 12-3 in Cape Town and 30-23 in Durban last year in a match which saw a spectator sprint on to the field and assault Irish referee David McHugh.

New Zealand preparations included an ultimately easy victory over Wales, a laboured success against France, and a narrow loss to the team of the moment and World Cup favourites England.

Coach John Mitchell, under fire for constantly altering his team and axing experienced players, has made three changes to the side that beat the French 31-23

Aaron Mauger is recalled at centre in place of Daniel Carter after a long injury-induced absence, Carl Hoeft comes in at loose head prop for Dave Hewett and hooker Keven Mealamu gets the call.