Stephen Moore springs to support John Smit

Smit, 33, the captain of the 2007 World Cup-winning side, has come under increasing pressure with pundits and fans calling for Bismarck du Plessis to take his place. But Moore, who is likely to line up against Smit in the Tri-Nations test in Durban on Saturday, said Smit still had plenty to offer the Springboks.

"I've got a huge amount of respect for him. He has had a very long career and a very successful one, both with the Springboks and at Super Rugby level," said Moore yesterday.

"I really admire him as a player and I always enjoy playing against him. He's a great competitor and a great leader for South Africa and it will be no different on the weekend."

Australia were beaten 30-14 by New Zealand last Saturday and Moore, who has played in 58 Test matches for his country, believes it is imperative that the Wallabies up their game if they wish to win this year's Tri-Nations. "To win at Eden Park you have to play really well and we didn't do that. We are pretty keen to get into it this week. This is a massive test for us. The Tri-Nations is a tough challenge week in week out especially if you are playing away from home and we will need to be at our best to win."

South Africa, after sending a weakened squad on the overseas leg of their Tri-Nations tour, have bolstered their squad with 15 senior players who have returned from injury and Moore said he and his team-mates expected a far stiffer challenge. The Wallabies won their opening match 39-20. "They are really physical in the forward exchanges, particularly in the set-piece. The two returning centres (Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie] are two world-class players and they will make a massive difference to the team," he explained.