South African skipper John Smit denies the team he is bringing to Australia and New Zealand for this year's Tri Nations is an understrength 'B' side.

The Springboks' overseas adventure started rockily when their Qantas plane to Australia had to return to Johannesburg after its No.3 engine failed.

The carrier sent a flight from Sydney at 2pm (AEST) on Saturday to pick up the stranded 'Boks, ensuring they will be at least a day late for their arrival in Australia ahead of their opener against the Wallabies on July 23 in Sydney.

Injuries have ruled 21 mostly first-choice Springboks out of the away leg of the annual southern hemisphere championship, which offers precious practice ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand in September and October.

And the absence of many big South African 'names' like wing Bryan Habana, halfback Fourie du Preez, locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield and flankers Schalk Burger and Juan Smith has angered Wallaby and All Blacks' officials.

Concerns include one-sided Tests and lower attendances, as Smit and fly-half Morne Steyn are the only tourists considered likely starters when South Africa launch their World Cup defence against Wales.

"If we are a 'B' team, it is because 'B' stands for Boks and nothing else," Smit said.

"We are going over there to play rugby and not just to make up the numbers. Injuries also ruled out a lot of players four seasons ago and we acquitted ourselves with distinction before going on to win the World Cup."

Smit, who moves to English club Saracens after the world showpiece, rejects 'conspiracy theories' in the South African and international media concerning a spate of post-Super Rugby injuries.

"The injuries have complicated matters, but they are part and parcel of what we do and I do not think the 'big man' intended us to charge into each other at 60 kilometres per hour," he explained.

Coach Peter de Villiers is also not buying into a Boks-to-the-slaughter line ahead of the Wallabies clash and one against defending Tri-Nations champions the All Blacks seven days later in Wellington.

"I want to win both Tests - for me it is all about winning and nothing else. If the guys can raise their hands for inclusion in the World Cup squad, it will be a win-win situation."

Late inclusion CJ van der Linde could start at tighthead to prevent Smit scrumming between two uncapped props, while the versatility of Danie Rossouw means he can be utilised at lock or No.8.

De Villiers also desperately wants to see loose forward 'scavenger' Heinrich Brussow back in the green and gold after an 18-month injury absence from the Test scene, but there remains a slight doubt over his fitness.Qantas is sending a new plane to pick up the South African rugby team, after their flight was cut short due to an overheating engine.

The Springboks were due to land in Sydney, aboard flight QF64, shortly after 2pm (AEST) on Saturday.

However, within about an hour of the flight the plane experienced an increase in vibration and temperature.

The Boeing 747 landed in Johannesburg just two hours after the initial take-off.

A new aircraft was sent to Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon, with the team expected to touchdown in Sydney at 5.15pm (AEST) on Sunday, a Qantas spokesman told AAP.

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