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Burger brings the best out of Smith

Friday 18th July 2008

Key combo: Schalk Burger and Juan Smith

Springbok blindside flank Juan Smith says he plays his best rugby when partnered with Schalk Burger.

The world champion loose forwards will have to be on top form against an outstanding Wallaby back row in Perth on Saturday.

Smith, Burger and Pierre Spies line-up and against Rocky Elsom, George Smith and Wycliff Palu in the crucial battle around the fringes and at the break-down.

Smith has become a stalwart of the Springbok side and is in many people's opinion the best blindside in the world. The Cheetahs strongman believes that with Burger on the other side of the scrum, he can do what he does best.

"If I look back over the past six months, my form is not where I would like it to be," said Smith.

"I was happy with my performances in the World Cup tournament last year. With Schalk back in the team, I believe I can play according to my old game-plan again.

"Schalk is a fetcher and we are accustomed to the defence lines around the scrum. He plays towards the ball and I can run more with the ball.

"That's why I am in the team: to carry the ball and get across the gain line," he said, adding that there was "an unbelievably positive" spirit in the team after last week's victory.

Spies's inclusion at number eight in the place of Joe van Niekerk will add more power to the Springbok pack and coach Peter de Villiers has made clear his intentions of hitting the Wallabies hard up front.

A five-two split on the bench, including props Tendai Mtawarira and Brian Mujati, further underlines the South Africans plan to try exploit the perceived weaknesses of the Australian pack.