AUSTRALIA will dare the Springboks to run the ball in Perth by thinning out their defensive line.

The crafty tactic emerged yesterday as Wallabies coach Robbie Deans rang in four changes to his side to meet the world champion Boks at Subiaco Oval.

The Springboks have lost just once this year using a game plan dominated by high kicks and intense pressure by chasers, and upon arriving in Perth they've indicated they won't change a winning formula.

In Cape Town, South Africa's big forwards routinely turned the ball over or won penalties by bashing the Wallabies catcher and piling numbers into the breakdown. Too often the Aussies forwards were helpless because they were still making their way back onside.

But the Wallabies are contemplating a new strategy. Instead of most players chasing a kick downfield, the Wallabies will look to hold players back to tempt South Africa into counter-attacking.

Like leaving a bad basketball shooter unmarked, leaving space at the edges of a defensive line could see the Boks seduced by the opportunity and opt to run instead of booting it.

If the tourists still kick, the extra numbers behind the play can support the Wallabies' catchers and secure the ball at the ensuing breakdown.

"That's an area we have been looking at. If our guys assess the ball is always going to be kicked back, they don't need to send as many up in the chasing line,'' Wallabies assistant coach Richard Graham said yesterday.

South Africa's attack is potent but under-used this year. Australia's defence is arguably the strongest in the tournament and would be capable of snuffing out any Boks raids.

If they can force the Boks into making mistakes or steal a turnover in the South Africans' half, Australia can potentially start their attack at the right end of the field.

The subject of entertaining rugby versus effective rugby continued to be a talking point in Perth, where skipper John Smit said success trumped style.

"We are in the business of employing any tactics we need to win,'' he said. "We have had no complaints from South Africa.''

The Wallabies used a shielding tactic of players running back towards their back three catchers at Newlands, but were penalised early and will need to be careful. Referees have been told to police the contestable kicks vigilantly.

As expected, Deans yesterday called in winger Peter Hynes for Drew Mitchell. Hynes is a safe pair of hands under the high ball, and while he admits it's not much fun fielding a high ball it is a key job.

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