Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and captain, Victor Matfield spoke earlier today at the team hotel in Perth about the Springbok injuries and challenges ahead against the Wallabies.

South Africa plays the Wallabies on Saturday at the Subiaco Oval in their third consecutive Vodacom Tri-Nations Test of the season.

De Villiers reported that centre Adrian Jacobs received a bump on the leg in the historic encounter against the All Blacks in Dunedin last Saturday. Jacobs was forced to leave the field in the second half and was replaced by Francois Steyn.

The team will reassess his fitness later in the week.

Prop forward Gurthro Steenkamp received stitches for a cut above the left eye and he too was forced to leave the field before the end of play against the All Blacks.  Although swollen, the wound has responded well to treatment and De Villiers said Steenkamp will be considered for selection.

Quotes from today’s press conference:

De Villiers on the Wallaby challenge:

 “Australia is extremely good in putting phases together. They are a very organised unit and I am sure that the appointment of the Robbie Deans as coach will add an extra dimension to their play.

“We played much better against the All Blacks in Dunedin and are obviously delighted with the win. However, we have already identified a few areas of concern and we will work very hard this week to improve on those errors.”

Victor Matfield on the Australian lineout threat:

“The Wallaby lineout is always a big threat and they will be very competitive in that department. Their different tactical approach provides us with an interesting challenge and they have the advantage of playing at home in their first Vodacom Tri-Nations match, while it will be our third consecutive away match.”

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