South Africa make changes

Coach Peter de Villiers, under pressure after two straight losses away to New Zealand, recalled Pienaar ahead of Ricky Januarie behind the pack for the match at Lang Park and Kankowski in place of Francois Louw in the back row.

"We have to bring some speed into out team," De Villiers told reporters after naming his team.

"Statistics show that (Brisbane) has the fastest playing surface in the ... Super 14 and we have to be prepared for a faster game."

Elsewhere, Stormers' winger Gio Aplon has replaced the suspended Jean de Villiers, while Ulster prop BJ Botha comes in for CJ van der Linde, who drops to the bench.

After two taxing losses to the All Blacks, champions South Africa will face a fresh Australian side just starting their tournament and eager to improve their unbeaten record against the Springboks at Lang Park.

"We have two tough games behind us, but if we stick to our structures and use our opportunities I believe this team is capable of getting a result," De Villiers said.

Other changes to the match 22 see lock Flip van der Merwe coming on to the replacements bench in place of the injured Andries Bekker, alongside loose forward Dewald Potgieter, wing Francois Hougaard and centre Juan de Jongh.

Defeat for the Springboks would all but end their hopes of retaining their title as no side has won the tournament after losing three matches.

15-Zane Kirchner, 14-Gio Aplon, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Wynand Olivier, 11-Bryan Habana, 10-Morne Steyn, 9-Ruan Pienaar; 8-Pierre Spies, 7-Ryan Kankowski, 6-Schalk Burger, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Danie Rossouw, 3-BJ Botha, 2-John Smit (captain), 1-Gurthro Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16-Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17-CJ van der Linde, 18-Flip van der Merwe, 19-Dewald Potgieter, 20-Francois Hougaard, 21-Butch James, 22-Juan de Jongh.