Boks selection surprise at fullback

Unbeaten South Africa have pulled out a selection surprise for Saturday night's Tri-Nations rugby Test against the Wallabies, naming Ruan Pienaar at fullback.

Pienaar, who made his name as a halfback before converting to five-eighth this year, replaces Frans Steyn in the No 15 jersey for the Subiaco Oval clash.

The mercurial Steyn drops to the bench where Schalk Burger has also been named for his comeback from suspension for gouging in the June series against the British and Irish Lions.

Burger comes back into the Springboks squad for Danie Rossouw, who is nursing a slight hamstring strain.

South Africa will be searching for a third Test win in Perth over the Wallabies following two wins, two losses and a draw in their five previous meetings.

A fourth straight Tri-Nations victory will almost guarantee the world champions the 2009 series crown.

The Wallabies, without a win at the halfway point of the tournament, have made four changes to their starting team following the 19-18 loss to New Zealand at the weekend.

South Africa: Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Ricky Januarie, Adi Jacobs, Frans Steyn.

Australia: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 11 Peter Hynes, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess; 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith (captain), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Al Baxter, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Drew Mitchell.

- AAP