South Africa rugby captain John Smit says the pressure to beat Australia on Saturday is greater than it was before they upended New Zealand last weekend to end a five-Test losing streak.

The last match in the Tri-Nations will not change the placings, with the All Blacks having retained the title last month, Australia certain of finishing second after winning its only two matches against South Africa at home, and the Springboks destined to be last.

But having stunned the All Blacks 21-20 last weekend in Rustenberg for their first win since June, the Springboks are keen to not to suffer a relapse at Ellis Park.

``This match is the only way we can prove that last week's win was not a once-off against the All Blacks,'' Smit said on Friday. ``There is a lot of pressure to make sure that we end the Tri-Nations on a high note.''

``There was a feeling of do-or-die last week, but we are more desperate this week so that we don't let this momentum slide.''

Australia will be well-rested since its last match three weeks ago, and it will be chasing its first win in South Africa since 2000 in Durban, and in Johannesburg at altitude since 1963.

``We have made pretty good advances this year,'' Australia coach John Connolly said. ``A win in this game will be very good for us. Yes, we are happy with the progress up to date, but sport is all about winning, this is an important game for us.

``We are used to (altitude) but history shows that it is an advantage for the home team.''

However, his South Africa counterpart Jake White didn't believe his side will be favoured against the Wallabies.

``I don't want to talk about records,'' White said. ``In the Tri-Nations, they have won two of their 18 away matches, but in the same breath they have won two World Cups.''

``We don't necessarily talk about records; what we want to do is play 80 minutes of rugby like we did last week. There are not too many one-sided Tests between us and them. We have to win as many Tests as we can between now and the World Cup.''

Connolly was weary of the Boks now that they had a win under their belt.

``They have gone through a lot of pain over the last couple of months and I don't think they feel much pain after (beating New Zealand),'' he said. ``They'll be in a pretty confident state on Saturday.''

South Africa will debut fullback J.P. Pietersen from the national under-21 side, and Australia will introduce loosehead prop Benn Robinson.

Smit was confident Pietersen was ready.

``JP is an extremely laid-back kind of guy and he doesn't stress many times,'' Smit said.