Tri-Nations: South Africa

Tall order: Bekker is looking to establish himself as a regular Bok

With the Tri-Nations set to kick-off in Wellington this weekend we are bringing you our unique team-by-team guide. This time it's South Africa...

Last Year: It is fair to say it was a year to forget for South Africa as far as the abridged 2007 Tri-Nations went. After Francois Steyn dropped two late drop goals against Australia to seal victory in the opening game there were high hopes, sadly they didn't last long. New Zealand were next up for the Springboks - in what many saw as a warm-up for the World Cup Final - and despite a bright start South Africa didn't have what it took to overcome the All Blacks. Then came the controversy as Jake White left the bulk of his first choice squad at home for the away leg of the tournament - this decision lead to several empty threats from Australia concerning boycotting future fixtures with the Springboks. South Africa were not as bad as expected, although they did lose both away games, condemning them to last place in the table. But they did have the last laugh in October.

This Year: Since the culmination of the 2007 Tri-Nations South Africa have won thirteen consecutive games, as well as the World Cup, leaving them in high spirits ahead of this year's tournament. Back to the extended format the Springboks start their challenge with a daunting away trip to face New Zealand, twice, and then Australia. New coach Peter de Villiers has the luxury of building on what Jake White achieved, although his squad for the opening two games has raised a few eyebrows. Despite that, South Africa go to New Zealand believing they can record their first win there since 1998, especially given that the All Blacks will be without Richie McCaw. Several questions still hang over De Villiers and his long-term vision, a lot of which will be answered over the coming eight weeks. The honeymoon period is over and it's now time for the real tests to begin.

Captain: In John Smit South Africa have one of the game's great leaders. He may not be the player he used to be, but his influence as a captain grows stronger with each game. He proved against Wales in the first Test that he has the ability to mould a new and inexperienced team into seasoned winners. Tougher times lie ahead in the Tri-Nations, which are sure to test Smit as a captain, but South Africa could not ask for a better man to lead them.

Key Man: When a side wins the World Cup certain players come under the spotlight, yet one man who constantly slips the radar is Juan Smith, which is odd considering his value to the Springboks. The bulk of his hard work will go unnoticed by most, which is a shame as he deserves the praise for all that is good about his game. Time and again we see him leading a mighty defensive effort, or charging out of defence with ball in hand, leading South Africa's push for victory. Again a lot will rest on his shoulders, not that he will complain, if South Africa are to bring the Tri-Nations back to the home of the world champions.

Rising Star: We haven't seen a huge amount of Andries Bekker in a Springbok shirt yet but there is huge potential for the tallest Springbok of all time. Picked on the back of a stunning Super 14 campaign, Bekker did enough in the first Test against Wales to show he is capable of replacing Victor Matfield, or Bakkies Botha if you think along those lines. His height makes him a great asset in the line-out and his work-rate is akin to having a fourth back row player on the field. Don't expect to see him start too many games, but by the end of the tournament he will be established in the squad and ready to mount a serious challenge for a permanent starting spot.

Coach: Much has been said about Peter de Villiers since he took over from Jake White, and not all of it to his face. It is difficult to judge him on what we have seen thus far, as even without a coach you would have expected South Africa to claim three wins. But now the real business starts, and De Villiers will either be found out or find his feet. His ideas are fresh and add an extra element to the Springboks' game, but ultimately against the best in the world he may be found wanting as a coach.

Squad: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, John Smit (c), Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Adrian Jacobs, Enrico Januarie, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn.