Percy Montgomery says South Africa coach Jake White has brought "something special" back to the Springbok side. Full-back Montgomery will win his 58th cap on Saturday against Wales and says White has ensured the players are now playing with a smile on their face.
"South African rugby has been in turmoil, and we had to do something drastic to get it back," he said.
"The players are happy now, and now that we've set our standards, we have to maintain them."
He added: "Jake allows players to have a say and play their game, because that is what rugby is all about.
"You have to go on the field, interact in your passing, be adventurous and play your game with a smile on your face."
South Africa arrive in Wales high on confidence as Tri-Nations champions, and are intent on inflicting a clean sweep of defeats on Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland in November. Only four months ago, the Springboks eased to a 53-18 win over Wales in Pretoria.
But Wales coach Mike Ruddock was deprived of senior internationals such as captain Gareth Thomas and fly-half Stephen Jones for that match so Montgomery has sounded a cautious note.
"We don't under-estimate any team, and it will be no different with Wales," Montgomery said. "They (Wales) weren't as strong in the summer, but all their players are coming together now.
"This will be a completely different Wales team from the one we played in the summer, and it's one of the challenges we have to overcome.
"We hope that Wales won't catch us cold."
MMIX
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This will be a completely different Wales team from the one we played in the summer 
