Morne Steyn admits he is excited about the prospect of linking up with Fourie du Preez when South Africa face Australia in a game they cannot lose in the Rugby Championship.
The scrum-half will make his first appearance for the Springboks since the 2011 World Cup and will link up with his former Bulls team-mate Du Preez, who now plays in Japan for Suntory Sungoliath, in a combination that was flourished in the past.
Speaking about the partnership, Steyn said: “Fourie brings something extra that no other scrum-half can. The way he reads and controls the game makes such a difference to the fly-half.
“He takes a lot of pressure off me.”
The Boks have also recalled Adriaan Strauss to the starting line-up as they look for the win against the Aussies which would keep them in contention in the Rugby Championship title hunt.
Meanwhile, Tevita Kuridrani, Joe Tomane and skipper James Horwill have all been named in the starting XV for the Wallabies, with Sitaleki Timani and Benn Robinson on the bench, as they look to end a five-match losing streak.
Strauss and co won the first clash 38-12 but the hooker is still expecting a close game on Saturday.
“That defeat would have stung them and they will be supremely motivated,” said Strauss. “They will be looking to up their game, especially the forwards.
“But we are also positive and have been working hard on our scrumming – an area that has gone well for us this season.”
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