Coach Rudolf Straeuli made eight changes to the South African rugby team that was lucky to beat Argentina 26-25 a fortnight ago, beefing up his backline for the opening Tri-Nations clash with Australia at Newlands Saturday.

The starting line-up is very similar to the side that beat Scotland in Johannesburg to seal a 2-0 series victory last month and looks at this stage to be close to South Africa's strongest combination.

Straeuli brought back almost-forgotten wing Thinus Delport, on loan from Gloucester, for Pieter Rossouw, and strongman De Wet Barry at inside centre, relegating Cats playmaker Gcobani Bobo to the bench.

The coach has to deal with the unavailability of No.8 Bob Skinstad, not sufficiently recovered from a bout of flu, and hooker John Smit, who is ruled out because of a right hamstring strain.

"It is unfortunate for Bob and John. Both were very eager to get game time against Australia, but we were not going to risk either of them. I am confident they will be available for selection against New Zealand," Straeuli said.

"My focus is on who I have picked and I am confident we can start the Tri-Nations successfully. It is an exciting squad, but only those 22 selected can show off the quality of the squad. It all comes down to performance."

The return of Delport, who played the last of his 12 Tests in 2001, means there is no place in the starting line-up for the explosive utility back Brent Russell whose try after coming off the bench against Argentina turned the match in Port Elizabeth.

"My aim is to become part of the South African World Cup squad", Delport told Business Day newspaper.

"I've been in and out of Springbok teams before and will grab this lifeline. I'll take every game as it comes and I'm looking no further".

In other significant changes, Free State Cheetahs loose forward Juan Smith is preferred to Pedrie Wannenburg in Skinstad's absence, and veteran halfback Joost van der Westhuizen recaptured his spot at the expense of Craig Davidson.

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