Springbok scrum-half Ruan Pienaar is determined to bring his own game to the fore against Australia on Saturday, and not be pressurised into playing like injured first-choice number nine, Fourie du Preez.

The 26-year-old utility back gets a rare start in the green and gold jersey - some might feel it's long overdue - at Suncorp Stadium, and with it, a belated chance to prove just why he's rated so highly at halfback.

Barring outside centre, Pienaar has played in every back-line position for the Springboks but has started just four Tests at scrum-half. With Du Preez out and Ricky Januarie dropped, there may be expectations that Pienaar will be stepping into a predefined role of the tried and tested kick-and-chase game-plan.

However, the "Tiger Woods of golf" is relying on his own skills to get the Boks back to winning ways in Brisbane.

"Fourie and me are different players. You need to add value the way you know you can, so there is no added pressure on me to play like him," said Pienaar.

"Although there will definitely be some kicking asked of me and that's why I've been working hard with Monty [kicking coach Percy Montgomery]."

The aura of the 2007 World Cup winners and last year's number one-ranked outfit has diminished with consecutive 32-12 and 31-17 losses to the All Blacks in New Zealand.

South Africa can't afford another defeat when they come up against the Wallabies, and it's hoped Pienaar will inject an X-factor into the Springboks game after making an immediate impression off the bench in the four-tries-to-two loss to the All Blacks in Wellington.

"I've always said that I like a running game and I think we showed that at stages, we were able to keep the ball for a long time," Pienaar said of his brief cameo last weekend.

But the Ulster-bound player said he will not be going out on Saturday to prove anything.

"It's not for me to go out and prove anything. I must just do the basics well and be a good link between the forwards and backs," said Pienaar.

"When you come off the bench, all you're asked for is to make an impact, and I hope I did that, but it will be different starting the game."

planetrugby.com

21/07/2010