The Springboks resisted the temptation to make major changes for their last Tri-Nations encounter against the Wallabies in Bloemfontein.

With little riding on this game other than the Mandela challenge plate, Bok coach Peter de Villiers could have used this opportunity to test some players at International level, given that so much of the Bok focus has been placed on the World Cup.

Instead we have largely the same side, even though de Villiers has said many of his more experienced players are tired and need a rest.

In Smit, Matfield and Habana, de Villiers knows he has. Why not test some new players?

The Springbok coach sees it differently, preferring to focus on his responsibility to field the strongest side for the nation.

There are 2 changes which see Flip van der Merwe and Danie Rossouw change their posittions between the bench and starting lineup due to Flip van der Merwe straining his neck in the test match at Loftus Versfeld, and being given extra rest time.

The other change brings Gio Aplon on to the bench for Butch James who has dislocated his shoulder and will be sidelined for several weeks. James is seeing a specialist in Pretoria, and until then the full extent of the damage is unknown.

This is the side that was named on Tuesday at the press conference.

Springboks:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. John Smit (c)
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Danie Rossouw
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Francois Hougaard
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Francois Steyn

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Ryan Kankowski
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Juan de Jongh
22. Gio Aplon