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Springboks target danger-man Giteau
By Justin Chadwick
July 17, 2008 SOUTH Africa flyhalf Butch James has identified Australia playmaker Matt Giteau as the danger-man in Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash in Perth.
Giteau's dazzling man-of-the-match performance against France two weeks ago in Brisbane was a timely reminder of the task confronting the Springboks at Subiaco Oval.
Such was Giteau's dominance during that match that James said the Springboks would rely on a total team effort to curb the 25-year-old's influence.
“You have to use your teammates around you to help you ... it's really difficult,” James said.
“He's a really good player and a tough little guy. You've really got to keep your eye on him all the time on attack and in defence he holds his own really well.
“He just knows when to have a go and when to let the ball go, so he can spot a weakness in defence. He knows when to take a break, he knows when to kick and his decision-making is right up there.”
James, who has 30 Test caps to his name, said he was looking forward to matching up against Giteau.
“It's always good to judge yourself against the best and I think him and (Dan) Carter are the best,” he said.
South Africa have made four changes to the run-on side that posted a memorable 30-28 win over New Zealand last week.
Centre Francois Steyn, No.8 Pierre Spies, and fullback Conrad Jantjes have been recalled to the starting XV, while Schalk Brits has been promoted to start at hooker in place of the suspended Bismarck du Plessis.
Australia will no doubt keep a close eye on Steyn, who famously kicked the winning field goal in South Africa's thrilling 22-19 Tri-Nations victory over Australia in Cape Town last year.
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers remained tight-lipped when asked how the Springboks would target the Australians.
“That is our bedroom business and we don't want to discuss our bedroom business in public,” de Villiers said with a smile.
But James made no secret of where he believed the game would be won and lost.
“It's part of our game to always be physical and it always has been the South African game plan,” James said.
“The Australian pack are pretty physical themselves so I'm pretty glad I'm not in the forwards this weekend.”
De Villiers was more open when queried about Australia's performances under new coach Robbie Deans.
“That (their win over France) was a typical Wallabies side,” de Villiers said.
“They kept the ball for almost 12 to 14 phases. They wear you down and their execution is always brilliant.”
The Subiaco Oval encounter will be the first Test Australia has played under the experimental law variations but de Villiers dismissed suggestions the Wallabies would struggle to adapt.
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html
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