The Springbok supporters are losing patience following the team's poor performances so far in the Tri-Nations series. The bonus point victories the All Blacks scored over the Boks the past two weeks have raised question over team selection and tactics.

Much has been said about the interpretation of the laws by Northern Hemisphere referees, but it can not be denied that the Boks have been below par so far this year. They have been lacking efficiency and sharpness, and their defence has almost been non-existent.

There are suggestions that players like John Smit and Ricky Januarie have reached their sell by dates, while Pierre Spies, Jacque Fourie and Bryan Habana have been in curiously subdued form so far. But, the Boks are equally disappointed. Springbok captain, John Smit says: "We'll have to make sure that we improve massively on defence and in terms of our structure and our systems which we haven't been doing over the last two weeks."

Januarie has already paid the price for some erratic performances. Ryan Kankowski, normally an eigthman, has been selected on the blindside of the scrum to inject some pace into the loose trio. Saturday's match against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium is an opportunity for a number of players not only to redeem themselves, but also the team's reputation.