 Fourie has played all his Test rugby in the centres or on the wing so far |
South Africa have dropped Percy Montgomery and brought in five new faces for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand in Rustenburg. Jaque Fourie moves from outside centre to replace Montgomery at full-back, as the Springboks seek to avenge last week's 45-26 defeat to the All Blacks.
Wynand Olivier comes in for Fourie and Andre Pretorius will start at fly-half.
AJ Venter and Pedrie Wannenburg bolster the back row, while tight-head prop BJ Botha is handed his first Test start.
The 32-year-old Montgomery is dropped for the first time since he was recalled to the team in 2004 by coach Jake White.
His replacement, Fourie, has played all his Tests in the centres and on the wing, but started his provincial career with the Golden Lions at full-back.
Pretorius sparked the Boks' ponderous backline when he came on for Butch James last week and will take over the goal-kicking duties from the man he has replaced.
The Springboks will be looking to end a five-match losing streak, while Graham Henry's All Blacks are on course for their 16th straight Test win.
South Africa: Jaque Fourie; Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez; AJ Venter, Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg; Victor Matfield, Johann Muller; BJ Botha, John Smit (capt), Os du Randt.
Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Lawrence Sephaka, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Cronje, Ruan Pienaar, Butch James, Breyton Paulse.
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