South Africa coach Peter de Villiers defied his critics to make just two enforced changes to the side that lost 27-15 to Australia in Durban for Saturday's clash with the Wallabies in Johannesburg.
De Villiers, who faces mounting criticism after four defeats in five Tri Nations matches including two in a row at home, decided to stick to the players he has trusted thus far for the team's last game in this year's competition.
After the game in Durban, De Villiers and captain Victor Matfield were widely booed by the crowd and many thought he would make wholesale changes for the game, but the temptation was resisted by the coach.
"It was a temptation [to make changes], but I studied the game [against Australia in Durban] and I felt we weren't too bad," he said.
"If we lose three in a row, how can you change that? Winning and losing are the same thing to me, it's just that winning is much nicer."
The Boks lost wingers Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen to injury this week, while reserve Frans Steyn has concussion and could also not be considered.
However, De Villiers is boosted by the availability of Matfield and Bismarck du Plessis, who were both doubtful with groin and knee problems respectively.
Prop CJ van der Linde misses out as he has been suspended for four weeks for headbutting Australia's Sam Cordingley last weekend.
De Villiers insisted his game plan - which has caused so much debate in the country over the past week - was not a massive mind-shift, but rather an attempt to get the Springboks to alter their decision-making process.
"People say we want to play a Peter de Villiers-style of rugby. What the devil is that? Let me explain it to you," De Villiers said.
"There was a time when we were isolated [due to apartheid] but when we came back what we didn't do was look at where we were strong. Instead we copied the model of the Australians and became more structured. We thought that was the only model available."
"We just need to add a component to our game. We need players making decisions and playing the situation."
"It's been very difficult. Players are so used to playing onto each other, it's a new thing to be making split-second decisions. With this kind of game comes responsibility. I know it's hard [for the players] because they then have to take responsibility for what they do."
"But whatever decision they make, I will support the players even though I won't always agree with that decision."
South Africa team: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Jani du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomerie.
De Villiers, who faces mounting criticism after four defeats in five Tri Nations matches including two in a row at home, decided to stick to the players he has trusted thus far for the team's last game in this year's competition.
After the game in Durban, De Villiers and captain Victor Matfield were widely booed by the crowd and many thought he would make wholesale changes for the game, but the temptation was resisted by the coach.
"It was a temptation [to make changes], but I studied the game [against Australia in Durban] and I felt we weren't too bad," he said.
"If we lose three in a row, how can you change that? Winning and losing are the same thing to me, it's just that winning is much nicer."
The Boks lost wingers Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen to injury this week, while reserve Frans Steyn has concussion and could also not be considered.
However, De Villiers is boosted by the availability of Matfield and Bismarck du Plessis, who were both doubtful with groin and knee problems respectively.
Prop CJ van der Linde misses out as he has been suspended for four weeks for headbutting Australia's Sam Cordingley last weekend.
De Villiers insisted his game plan - which has caused so much debate in the country over the past week - was not a massive mind-shift, but rather an attempt to get the Springboks to alter their decision-making process.
"People say we want to play a Peter de Villiers-style of rugby. What the devil is that? Let me explain it to you," De Villiers said.
"There was a time when we were isolated [due to apartheid] but when we came back what we didn't do was look at where we were strong. Instead we copied the model of the Australians and became more structured. We thought that was the only model available."
"We just need to add a component to our game. We need players making decisions and playing the situation."
"It's been very difficult. Players are so used to playing onto each other, it's a new thing to be making split-second decisions. With this kind of game comes responsibility. I know it's hard [for the players] because they then have to take responsibility for what they do."
"But whatever decision they make, I will support the players even though I won't always agree with that decision."
South Africa team: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Jani du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomerie.
