Deans - We must attack or perish

Robbie Deans…Wallabies must attack.

Deans has named an attack minded line-up for the clash against the Rugby World Cup champions, making four changes to the starting XV that racked up a record score of 40 – 10 against France in Brisbane a fortnight ago.

A star-studded trio of lock Nathan Sharpe (groin), winger Lote Tuqiri (knee) and No. 8 Wycliff Palu (neck) all return from injury while George Smith, who will overtake the legendary John Eales as the Wallabies most capped forward, has been given the nod ahead of NSW Waratahs captain Phil Waugh at openside flanker.

It will be the Wallabies first outing under the ELVs being used for the Tri-Nations series and South Africa have already shown a keen awareness of the experimental Laws attacking advantages in their opening two Tests against New Zealand.

The Boks played very smart last weekend in Dunedin combining their traditional forward might with a dash of brilliance out wide in their upset 30-28 victory.

"Believe me, the physicality is still there," Deans said, when asked if the game had lost some of its physical edge under the ELVs.

"You only had to look at the two Tests between the All Blacks and the Springboks to recognise the physicality didn't diminish at all, but they (the Boks) were a little bit more prepared to use the width of the ground and, to be frank, that makes them harder because you can't presume.

"It makes them a more challenging opponent to defend against. We are going to have to play.”

As he showed in his many successful years at the Crusaders, Deans believes the best form of defence is attack and he has been quick to instil this belief into his new team.

"We won't be able to be conservative against a side that has the physical capabilities of the South Africans and get home” Deans urged. "The key will be to keep them busy with the traffic coming the other way."

Returning winger Tuqiri backed up his coach, saying he is confident the Wallabies will be able to breach South Africa's defence - but only if they take the game on.

"If we can stick to our game plan and our structures we are trying to put in place hopefully it will open up out wide," added the big Waratahs speedster. "It's up to us to think on our feet."

Adding to the attacking philosophy is the return of Smith who will register his 87th Test cap when he lines up against the Springboks, making him the most capped Australian forward and the fourth most capped Wallaby of all-time.

"It is a nice feeling to achieve that," Smith said.

Smith said the intense rivalry with Waugh for a starting berth throughout their careers had helped both players improve.

"The standard of football we push each other to helps us develop our game and to be the players that we are," Smith said.

"Without that rivalry, competitiveness and friendship we might not have become as accomplished as we have."