Joe Gets Second Bite at Bok Cherry

The big surprise in the Springbok starting lineup for Saturday's massive Tri-Nations clash with the All Blacks in Wellington is the inclusion of Joe van Niekerk at number eight.

The 2002 player of the year has been plagued by injuries over the past few years but a solid season with the under-performing Lions in the Super 14 saw him earn a call-up to the Bok squad for the opening three tests of the year. He got his chance against Italy two weeks ago and no doubt made an impression on Bok coach Peter de Villiers.

van Niekerk has been chosen above Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski. Spies didn't convince in the first two tests against Wales while Kankowski is no doubt still recovering from a serious knock to the head against Italy.

Odwa Ndungane is also a surprise inclusion on the right wing. While the Sharks winger had a decent debut against Italy, it was widely accepted that JP Pietersen will be entrusted with the number 14 jersey because of h! is Tri-Nations experience.

Springbok team to play the All Blacks:

15. Conrad JANTJES; 14. Odwa NDUNGANE; 13. Adrian JACOBS; 12. Jean de VILLIERS; 11. Bryan HABANA; 10. Butch JAMES; 9. Enrico JANUARIE; 8. Joe van NIEKERK; 7. Juan SMITH; 6. Schalk BURGER; 5. Victor MATFIELD; 4. Bakkies BOTHA; 3. CJ van der LINDE; 2. John SMIT (C); 1. Gurthro STEENKAMP

Replacements:

16. Bismarch du PLESSIS; 17. Brian MUJATI; 18. Andries BEKKER; 19. Luke WATSON; 20. Bolla CONRADIE; 21. Francois STEYN; 22. Percy MONTGOMERY