TRI-NATIONS:THE WORLD champions South Africans could virtually seal the 2008 Tri-Nations rugby title if they beat Australia at Subiaco Oval today.

The Springboks put a week of turmoil behind them last Saturday by beating the All Blacks 30-28 for their first win in New Zealand in a decade, following a 19-8 loss in Wellington the week before.

They meet the Wallabies in Perth before heading home for a two-week break ahead of a Test against Argentina, then their final Tri-Nations games against New Zealand and Australia (twice).

If the Springboks are to win in Australia then Perth, with its large population of South African expatriates, is the most likely place.

South Africa's only two Test wins in Australia over the past decade have come at Subiaco Oval, a 22-19 triumph three years ago and a 14-13 victory in 1998.

In the other two Tests played in Perth, the Springboks drew 14-14 in 2001 and lost 30-26 in 2004.

The other factor in the Springboks' favour is that the Wallabies are having their first match under the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) while South Africa have played two Tests under the laws.

Australian coach Robbie Deans said South Africa had adapted well to the ELVs and added flair to their traditional forward power.

"You only had to look at the two Tests between the All Blacks and the Springboks to recognise the physicality didn't diminish at all," said Deans. "They were a little bit more prepared to use the width of the ground and . . . that makes them a more challenging opponent to defend against.

Deans has rushed veteran lock Nathan Sharpe back from injury to try to counter the dominant Springbok secondrow pairing of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

South Africa have opted for five forwards and two backs on the bench, signalling their intention to attack through the forwards.

The game kicks off at 18.05 local time (11.05 Irish).

AUSTRALIA:Ashley-Cooper; Hynes, Mortlock (capt), Barnes, Tuqiri; Giteau, Burgess; Robinson, Moore, Baxter; Horwill, Sharpe; Elsom, Smith, Palu. Replacements: Polota-Nau, Dunning, McMeniman, Waugh, Cordingley, Cross, Mitchell.

SOUTH AFRICA:Jantjes; Pietersen, Steyn, de Villiers, Habana; James, Januarie; Steenkamp, Brits, van der Linde; Botha, Matfield (capt); Burger, Smith, Spies. Replacements: Strauss, Mtawarira, Mujati, Bekker, Kankowski, Pienaar, Grant.

Referee:Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

Australia v South Africa

Venue:Subiaco Oval

Kick-off:11.05am

On TV:Sky Sports 3