Venter was called up for extra power in the breakdown

Venter takes Gerrie Britz's place in the back-row - the only change from the team that beat New Zealand 40-26 in Johannesburg last week.

The winner of the match will be crowned Tri-Nations champions.

"We need to be more destructive at the breakdowns and AJ offers that," said Springbok coach Jake White said.

"What AJ did for us in the Perth test match [which Australia won 30-26] and against the Pacific Islanders [who South Africa beat 38-24] is something we need for this fixture.

"It's AJ's home ground, he's played in four Currie Cup finals, and his experience in handling the pressure of a final will be needed this weekend."

South Africa have won the Tri-Nations title just once - back in 1998.

And Springbok captain John Smit said Wallaby wing Clyde Rathbone, who was born and raised in Durban, would get a frosty reception at the weekend.

Smit said: "He put his foot down firmly in the first test and made it very clear that he was Australian, so I think he'll be treated like any other Australian coming to Durban."

South Africa: Percy Montgomery; Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry, Jean de Villiers; Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Bolla Conradie; Os du Randt, John Smit, Eddie Andrews; B Botha, V Matfield; S Burger, AJ Venter, Joe van Niekerk
Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, CJ van der Linde, Gerrie Britz, Jacques Cronje, Fourie du Preez, Gaffie du Toit, Brent Russell