Sport

Jones up to challenge of 'winner takes all'

Tri-Nations series Australia coach Eddie Jones admitted to being anxious about today's winner-takes-all match in the Tri-Nations…

Sat Aug 21 2004 - 01:00

Tri-Nations seriesAustralia coach Eddie Jones admitted to being anxious about today's winner-takes-all match in the Tri-Nations series against South Africa in Durban (1 pm Irish time).

The winner of the final match in the series is assured of the title. New Zealand's hopes were ended by their 40-26 loss to the Springboks in Johannesburg last week.

Jones said the challenge faced by his side was "up there" with the most important matches in his three-year reign as coach.

"The Tri-Nations this year has produced very good rugby and to have the last game as a final makes it enormously challenging for both sides," said Jones. "We are anxious about it but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It helps make sure we are up for it."

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Jones has named an unchanged team and bench from the one that beat New Zealand 23-18 in Sydney on August 7th.

Springbok coach Jake White has made just one change, promoting AJ Venter to the blindside flank with Gerrie Britz dropping back to the bench.

"They are obviously looking to his experience," said Wallaby flanker Phil Waugh. "He is also a very physical player."

The match is a 52,500 sell-out and has sparked huge interest in South Africa. The Springboks have shown signs of a revival to put themselves in with a chance of winning the title for the first time since 1998.

"It's all or nothing," said White. "It's a final and like any final if we win we are champions and if we lose we finish with nothing. This is a great opportunity for our players."

Australia lead the standings on nine points (0 points difference) from New Zealand, also on nine points (-8) but having completed their programme. South Africa lie third on seven points (+12).

SOUTH AFRICA: P Montgomery; B Paulse, M Joubert, DW Barry, J de Villiers; J van der Westhuyzen, B Conradie; O du Randt, J Smit (capt), E Andrews, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, AJ Venter; J van Niekerk. Replacements: H Shimange, CJ van der Linde, G Britz, J Cronje, F du Preez, G du Toit, B Russell.

AUSTRALIA: C Latham; C Rathbone, S Mortlock, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan; B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter, J Harrison, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons. Replacements: J Paul, M Dunning, D Vickerman, J Roe, C Whitaker, M Burke, W Sailor.