Like a prodigal son returning to claim his rightful place, flyhalf Butch James will reprise his World Cup-winning role of four years ago when he starts against the Wallabies in Durban tomorrow.

James last started a test at flyhalf against Italy in Witbank more than a year ago and won the last of his 40 Bok caps against Australia at Loftus last year.

But now, with 28 days to the start of the World Cup, he has re-emerged as the first-choice pivot.

Morne Steyn has been relegated to the bench and is unlikely to reclaim the No10 jersey again unless injury or catastrophic form strike James.

James's uncompromising defence, his willingness to play on the advantage line, deft hands and fearsome competitiveness have won the confidence of coach Peter de Villiers, even if his goal-kicking is not as metronomic as Steyn's.

James was the unsung hero of the victorious 2007 World Cup squad, but he didn't have the added pressure of goal-kicking, thanks to the brilliance of Percy Montgomery. Tomorrow we'll see if he can cope with being a playmaker and points accumulator.

The return of scrumhalf Fourie du Preez after 21 months in the international wilderness due to injury will help James's game, by relieving him of all the tactical kicking duties. Du Preez's absence has been one of the biggest reasons behind the Boks' recent poor form.

They've lost seven out of their last eight Tri-Nations matches and suffered defeats to Ireland and Scotland since Du Preez last donned the green and gold.

De Villiers made 13 changes from the side that lost 40-7 to the All Blacks in Wellington two weeks ago.

Only hooker and captain John Smit and flank Danie Rossouw have retained their places.

Rustiness could be a factor as most of the players haven't had a run in six weeks.

This is close to a first-choice Bok team - with only flanks Schalk Burger and Juan Smith missing due to injury.

But with the return of openside Heinrich Brussow, another player who has missed 21 months of international duty due to a knee injury, even the great Burger could not be assured of a starting place.

Brussow's return will be closely monitored because he is hopelessly short of match fitness and will do well to get through 50 minutes.

Still, 50 minutes of the most dynamic fetcher this country has produced could be enough to take the sting out the Wallabies.

In both tests on the away leg of the Tri-Nations, the Boks were beaten at the breakdown and from there the rest came tumbling down. Brussow has to boss that area.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has named his strongest possible lineup. Recalled veteran lock Nathan Sharpe is capable of disrupting the Bok lineout.

Last year he upset Victor Matfield's dominance in the set piece.

The Wallabies' backline is potent, but the All Blacks showed when they shepherded electric flyhalf Quade Cooper towards the touchline that the Wallabies were short of ideas.

With 810 caps, the Boks field the most experienced test team of all time, surpassing New Zealand's 766 caps against Australia last week.

With two matches to go before the World Cup, it's time for the old guard to repay the coach for his loyalty.