Wallabies will be watching their backs

The Wallabies and the Springboks go into their Rugby Championship clash tomorrow with slightly different ideas about how victory will be achieved at the Patersons Stadium.

The Springboks, as was perhaps subtly revealed in their selections, hope they can break their opponent's back by the start of the final quarter. In assembling their side, the hosts intend having that part of their anatomy up in the closing minutes.

The Boks' selection of Lions backrow dazzler Warren Whiteley creates the impression that they hope to exploit gaps and run the Wallabies off their feet in the latter stages, even though conditions may be wet and testing.

By contrast, the Wallabies are pinning their hopes on the star of the Western Force, strongman Matt Hodgson, who is included in a six-two bench split.

Both are mildly surprised by their involvement in this game.

Whiteley wears the permanent grin of a man who hasn't stopped pinching himself in the last two weeks, while Hodgson had to shelve well-advanced plans to go on holiday.

The Super 15's most prolific ball-poacher was due to attend weddings elsewhere in the country but they were engagements he was happy to break.

"It was a bit of a shock to get called into the squad but it's always great to put on the gold jersey," Hodgson said.

"My last game [for Australia] was against South Africa (three years ago). It is good to get a run against them again.

"Starting well and getting momentum in the first 20 minutes will be important," said Hodgson. "The breakdown and contact area will be crucial for South Africa. We must win that battle.

"Hopefully at the back end of the game I can really get in there, slow the ball down and hopefully get a bit of momentum in that area," he said, making clear his slightly dubious intentions.

If the requirement is for Hodgson to apply strong-arm tactics, then Whiteley's is a light dab-of-the-brush finishing touch.

"As a player you always have to try and play your natural game regardless of the structure you're in," the Lions captain said.

"The coach spoke to me and encouraged me to play my natural game - to do what I love doing. I'm excited he's backed me. It gives me confidence."

The Boks have the ever-reliable Francois Louw and the fast-improving Marcell Coetzee on the side of the scrum.

What those two may lack by way of the delivery of force on the advantage line, they make up for with the threat they pose in winning ball on the deck.