How Wallabies will target Olivier

The Wallabies, desperate to grab their first win in South Africa since 2000 and a first win at Ellis Park since 1963, have a two-pronged plan to beat the Springboks in Saturday's Tri-Nations match at Ellis Park.

Key to the Wallabies achieving their aims will be sticking to their game-plan, but the visitors are also planning to exploit Wynand Olivier who will be playing his first Test on the wing.

"The Springboks have an inexperienced wing out there and there is an opportunity there," said the Wallabies defensive coach John Muggleton on Wednesday.

"We need the right sort of possession, though, to do it."

While Olivier, who has played inside and outside centre for the Springboks, will come under the spotlight, the Wallabies are wary of falling into the trap of paying special attention to individual players such as André Pretorius and Olivier and would rather concentrate on their game.

"Pretorius is a very good player and he provides something for the Springboks in attack," said Scott Johnson, the Wallabies backline coach.

"He must be full of confidence after that penalty he kicked to win the game last week. He is though one of many players in the Bok team we respect but we have to concentrate on our game."

Where the Wallabies do anticipate problems is with the Springboks' rush defence, which was highly effective last Saturday when the Springboks beat the All Blacks 21-20.

"A challenge to us on Saturday will be the quick and confrontational defence of the Springboks," Muggleton said.

But even with history against them, the Wallabies fancy themselves to win if they can contain the Bok's pack of forwards.

"The Bok pack has played well in this Tri-Nations and they stepped up their performance last weekend," said Wallabies forward coach Michael Foley.

"This will be the toughest Test for us as a pack."

Wallabies coach John Connolly concurred with Foley saying that this was the best possible opportunity for the Wallabies to bring to an end their losing streak against the Springboks in South Africa.

"It has been a while since we've won here and that is why this game is very important," said Connolly.

"This team is capable of breaking the drought. They would have taken a lot of confidence from last week and the Springboks are a lot harder to beat at home than they are away."

The Wallabies will also draw strength from the fact that centre Stirling Mortlock and lock Nathan Sharpe will be making their 50th appearance for Australia on Saturday.

By Vata Ngobeni, SAPA