South Africa plan to run the ball at every opportunity in a bid to beat France at their own game in today's first Test in Lyon. Even the South African tight five have been given instructions to attack. "It'll be a quick-paced game and you'll see our forwards running with the ball whenever the opportunity presents itself," said Springbok captain Gary Teichmann.

The Springboks, building a newlook team as they prepare for their World Cup defence in 1999, are expecting a tight match against a French team that won all three of its Latin Cup matches against Italy, Romania and Argentina last month.

"The first Test in a series is always important," said Teichmann. "Winning it would take a lot of pressure off - and we can build from there."

The second Test will be played in Paris on November 22nd and that will be followed by Tests against England and Scotland.

Versatile Percy Montgomery has been called-up to replace injured full back Justin Swart.