South Africa are supporting their beleaguered coach Nick Mallett ahead of Saturday's "door-die" Tri-Nations international with Australia in Sydney.

The Springboks, reeling from successive defeats to England, Australia and New Zealand, go into their second Tri-Nations match after losing their opening game 25-12 against the All Blacks in Christchurch on Saturday.

Team manager Giddeon Sam said yesterday the players were "wounded physically and emotionally".

Captain Andre Vos joined Sam in defending Mallett's bold change to a more expansive style of play, but said Saturday's showdown at the Olympic stadium was "do-or-die" for his team.

Rumours continue that Mallett could be sacked and replaced by former All Blacks mentor Laurie Mains if South Africa lose again against the world champions, but both Sam and Vos have stressed the need for stability.

"We are aware, of course, of the people baying for the blood of the coach and going to the extent of saying that when he touches base back in South Africa, that he will be minus his job," Sam said.

"We really don't believe that should happen in South Africa. Chopping and changing of coaches isn't going to achieve what we want to achieve in South African rugby. We are wounded emotionally because instead of getting the support that we need from back home, there are just too many criticisms coming our way."

Vos rejected reported comments of some former All Blacks who suggested the Springboks were changing too quickly and radically.

"You can't play the same rugby as the 1950s and try and expect to win a Test match right now. It just isn't going to happen, the game has evolved, the rules have evolved and the type of player playing the game has changed." Vos said. "You have to move with the times, if you don't, you're going to get left behind."

Meanwhile, replacement forwards Mark Andrews and A J Venter were expected to arrive from South Africa late yesterday with injured players, Rassie Erasmus, Willie Meyer and Selborne Boome heading home.

However, outhalf Braam van Straaten has added to their injury woes after suffering a neck spasm yesterday while weight training. Van Straaten was targeted by a laser pest during last weekend's clash with New Zealand, it was reported yesterday.

Van Straaten said he noticed a laser pointer being directed at him as he prepared to take a penalty at Jade Stadium.

Lock Jannes Labuschagne only participated in training near the end of yesterday's session because of rib bruising but is expected to be fit by the weekend. Hooker Charle Marais was another player to sit out the workout. Meanwhile, New Zealand star Tana Umaga has been reprimanded by the All Blacks management for his part in a drunken late-night clash at the weekend. Witnesses have said Umaga had attempted to pick a fight with well-wishers, but other bystanders said he had been blameless in the incident.

Australian prop Richard Harry (32) will retire after the Tri-Nations series, he said yesterday. He will play his 35th international against South Africa on Saturday.

Lansdowne outhalf Barry Everitt has joined London Irish on a two-year deal. The former Munster and Leinster outhalf could not secure a provincial contract with the latter.