Serfontein to try his luck at 13

How can one make one of three 12s go into 13?

It would appear to be a mathematical conundrum, but Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer believes he has come up with a short-term solution ahead of the match against the Wallabies on Saturday.

Meyer has turned to Jan Serfontein to temporarily fill the hole left by Damian de Allende, whose skills at the No 12 and No 14 position did not translate into No 13 in the match against Argentina.

Serfontein is one of six changes Meyer made to the team that played in Salta and, while most of the amendments were obvious, the outside centre was always going to present a challenge.

While Serfontein has the necessary skills, he has primarily been used as a battering ram by the Bulls.

And even Meyer does not believe 13 is a fit, saying: "I think Jan's best position is 12 ."

Jean de Villiers has done duty at 13, but Meyer wants to maximise his captain's decision-making authority at inside centre.

"Jan was outstanding in the June Tests when Jean was injured," the coach said.

"Obviously when your captain comes back you play him in his best position.

"They will probably interchange. Nowadays there isn't that big a difference between the centres. They are the best centres at the moment."

As expected, Morné Steyn is back at flyhalf but Handré Pollard drops out of the match day 23.

Said Meyer: "I think Handré Pollard did really well for a youngster. I didn't put him on the bench because there is a chance of this being a wet game and I needed cover at 15. Pat [Lambie] hasn't played that much and he needs game time."

It was also confirmed that Bryan Habana will join the pantheon of Springboks to play 100 Tests while Warren Whiteley will play his first Test.

The Lions captain is on the bench and while his inspiring performances have helped raise his franchise's stock, his inclusion means he leapfrogs Oupa Mohoje.

Whiteley's energy has been clearly evident during training.

Said Meyer: "I've been impressed with Warren. You don't really appreciate a player until you've worked with him.

"You can see he is an exceptional leader. Just the way he trains and the pace he injects. He reminds me a bit of Bobby [Skinstad] at his best. He can be an unbelievable impact."

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Cricket: Triangular series, Zimbabwe vs South Africa from Harare at 9.30am on SS2; Sixes tournament from 9.45am on SS6

Cycling: Vuelta a Espana, stage 12 at 4pm on SS5

Golf: European Masters from Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland at 11.30am on SS7 and 3.30pm on SS1; BMW Championship from Denver, Colorado at 10pm on SS1

Rugby: ITM Cup, Otago vs Canterbury at 9.30am on SS1; NRC, North Harbour vs NSW Eagles at 11.30am on SS1

Soccer: International friendly, Belgium vs Australia at 8.30pm on SS3

Tennis: US Open at 5pm on SS7, 6pm and 1am (tomorrow) on SS2