Rugby: Springbok goalkicker says test ball is a lemon

Springbok goalkicker Braam Van Straaten says the ball to be used in Saturday's Tri-Nations test against New Zealand is a lemon.

He complained about the ball used last Saturday in the test between South Africa and Australia, saying it was too light.

After training with another brand of ball, that will be used on Saturday, he said it was worse.

He said: "It's like kicking a lemon. It has the valve in the middle of one of the panels, rather than in the seam which means it's not balanced."

Van Straaten and Australian goalkicker Matt Burke, who both have career goalkicking averages of around 70%, managed only 50% success in their teams' 14-14 draw at Perth.

Van Straaten said the discipline of the Springboks would be a key factor in Saturday's test, which is likely to be played on a rain-soaked ground.

"If we can keep all 15 on for 80 minutes and play with the intensity we want, we might put one on the All Blacks," he said.

New Zealand trained for the second day in a row with alterations to their forwards and backline. Lock Troy Flavell trained at blindside flanker for the second day, while reserve lock Chris Jack joined Norm Maxwell in the second row.

Byron Kelleher and Andrew Mehrtens trained again at scrum-half and fly-half, taking the places of Justin Marshall and Tony Brown who started against Australia two weeks ago.

The Springboks will have at least one change in their side for Saturday's test. Centre Robbie Fleck has been ruled out of the match with an ankle injury and will be replaced by Andre Snyman or Dion Kayser.