Smith and Pietersen get Springboks recall

SpringbokS coach Peter de Villiers has recalled World Cup winners Juan Smith and JP Pietersen for the Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Flanker Smith, who has been a regular member of the Springbok line-up since 2003, replaces Ryan Kankowski, restoring the tried-and-tested loose forward combination with Pierre Spies and Schalk Burger.

"Their roles have been clearly defined. It won't be a problem," said De Villiers of the trio.

South Africa were well beaten in Tests in Auckland and Wellington last month and will hope for a major improvement in Saturday's match at the FNB Stadium near Soweto on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

Smith, who has been unavailable so far this year for the Springboks following the death of his father, said he was convinced the South African trio would be able to contain the All Blacks. "I've played with Schalk and Pierre for the last three or four years, from Jake White's time in charge. We know precisely what awaits us and we've all played under the new law interpretations during the Super 14, so I don't think it matters," Smith said.

South Africa: G Aplon; JP Pietersen, J de Jongh, J de Villiers, B Habana, M Steyn, F Hougaard; G Steenkamp, J Smit, J du Plessis, F van der Merwe, V Matfield, S Burger, J Smith, P Spies. Subs: C Ralepelle, CJ van der Linde, D Rossouw, F Louw, E Januarie, B James, W Olivier.