S Africa v N Zealand: Teams

South Africa and New Zealand go toe-to-toe in Bloemfontein on Saturday in the opening clash of their Tri-Nations double-header.

The two teams do battle at Vodacom Park this weekend before resuming hostilities seven days later in Durban, giving either country the chance to establish themselves at the top of the table in the early stages.

The All Blacks currently lead the way following their 22-16 victory over Australia in the opening fixture of the new season.

However, hooker Andrew Hore expects a stern test against the Boks, who have surprisingly finished last in the standings in the previous three years.

Pretty tough

"It's always pretty tough up front," he told Radio Sport.

"Probably a good thing about their front row is they have played all the Super 14 together so they will know each other's strengths and how they can do stuff on different angles which should mean quite a tough test on Saturday.

"There are a lot of players in the All Blacks who have had an indifferent build-up to Test matches compared to what they are used to with injuries and stuff.

"But everyone is slowly getting back on the bike and we are slowly coming right.

"We went not too bad against Australia and hopefully we can take another couple of steps up and mix it with these boys on Saturday."

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has kept faith with the pack that eventually took control against the Wallabies after a shaky start at Eden Park.

However, there are two changes in the backs, with scrum-half Brendon Leonard making just his third start in place of Jimmy Cowan, who doesn't even get a seat on the bench.

There is also a recall for Joe Rokocoko, who will win his 56th cap, on the right wing in place of Cory Jane.

"The alternatives have not played Test matches over," Henry said when asked about Rokocoko's return. "It's an opportunity to play an experienced player who has played exceptionally well over here over the years."

South Africa - who begin their Tri-Nations campaign with three home games on the spin - will be hoping to perform better than the last time they met the All Blacks in the competition.

A 19-0 defeat in Cape Town last year still smarts for the reigning world champions, though they come into this match off the back of a 2-1 series triumph over the British and Irish Lions.

Having made plenty of changes for the final Test of that series, coach Peter de Villiers brings back his big guns to take on New Zealand.

There are six changes to the starting line-up with a further six alterations on the bench. Prop Jannie du Plessis, who was not involved against the Lions, has been included amongst the replacements.

Difficult decision

The biggest selection issue for De Villiers was over who would start at fly-half.

Ruan Pienaar has been given the nod ahead of Morne Steyn - the man who held his nerve coming off the bench to kick the series-clinching penalty against the Lions in the second Test.

"It was a difficult decision to choose between Ruan and Morne, you always have difficult decisions as a coach," admitted De Villiers.

"In rugby, you can't look too far ahead, so I will say that if injury hits, we will consider it (starting Steyn at fly-half)."

With Adi Jacobs ruled out through injury, Jean de Villiers starts at inside centre alongside Jaque Fourie.

South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Morne Steyn, 22 Wynand Olivier.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko , 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Cory Jane .