preservation definition

By Ken Borland

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said the Springboks will have to put up an impenetrable defensive wall against Australia when they meet in their Rugby Championship match in Perth next week.

"Australia are a dangerous side when they get quick ball, especially their backs, who are unbelievable. If our defence is not 100 percent, they will punish us," Meyer told reporters in Johannesburg on Saturday.

While the Australian public are tearing into their team after two straight losses to New Zealand, including a 22-0 defeat in Auckland last weekend - the first time in 50 years that the Wallabies have not scored a point against the All Blacks - Meyer said Robbie Dean's charges still had the ability to hurt the Springboks.

"Australia are a very good team and we don't have a good record against them. New Zealand are just a way ahead of everyone at the moment and nobody's giving us a chance in Perth next weekend.

"Australia have a very good pack which you cannot underestimate and it should be a very good contest at the breakdowns. We need to be very direct and if we kick aimlessly, they are very good at counter-attacking.

"They will definitely test us on defence because they run different lines and they have a more backline-orientated team. I'm very realistic and I know how tough it's going to be against the Wallabies," Meyer said.

South Africa's new coach is not expected to make radical changes to either the Springbok game plan or personnel despite the disappointing 16-16 draw against Argentina in Mendoza last weekend.

SMALL TWEAKS   Continued...