Aussies expecting the same

Even though the Springboks have a new coach and are barely recognisable in personnel from the team they last encountered, the Wallabies are bracing themselves for a predictable challenge.

"They still have a similar sort of game plan," observed Berrick Barnes, who was named at inside centre in the Wallabies team for Saturday's Four Nations test against the Boks.

"They've got big men who like playing physical footy. If you don't match them there, you are in for a hard day at the office. We have to make sure we are physical. We've got to be a lot more physical than we have been to match these guys," said Barnes, referring to their recent defeats to the All Blacks.

Fully expecting the Springboks' usual aerial bombardment, the hosts have enlisted the help of Paul Roos, a former Aussie Rules coach with the Sydney Swans.

"Just some subtleties about how to catch the pill," said Barnes about the advice Roos imparted.

"It will come with time because we won't catch it in a day or two. It was nice to get a different perspective.

"We were taught how to attack the ball front-on and that the most aggressive bloke wins the ball. It was all about underpinning the right technique," said Barnes.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans yesterday named a side that sees the introduction of Radike Samo at No8, Kurtley Beale at fullback and debutant Dom Shipperley on the right wing. Adam Ashley-Cooper moves from fullback to outside centre in the place of Rob Horne, while Shipperley replaces the injured Drew Mitchell. Scott Higginbotham made way for Samo.

After successive defeats against the All Blacks, it is important that Deans nails it in his selections.

"We have turned over every stone in contemplating this mix. The more you talk, consider, reflect and analyse not only historical performance but also the need of what's coming, it becomes clear. It always becomes clear," said Deans.

Beale's reintroduction, after an absolute howler in the first test against the All Blacks, demanded some explaining.

"He is in a better space," reassured Deans.

"I doubt you'll see a performance like that from Kurtley. He is too good a player for a repeat of that."

Deans said his team was under no illusions about the task facing them, even if the Springboks have been decidedly more green than gold of late.

Wallabies team: Kurtley Beale; Dom Shipperley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis; Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill; Nick Phipps, Mike Harris, Anthony Fainga'a.