Centre Adrian Jacobs has been forced out of the South African team to play New Zealand in a Tri-Nations test in Bloemfontein on Saturday due to injury.

Centre Adrian Jacobs has been forced out of the South African team to play New Zealand in a Tri-Nations test in Bloemfontein on Saturday due to injury.

Jacobs has been a favourite of coach Peter de Villiers, playing in 13 of his 16 tests in charge. He was ruled out of South Africa's opening Tri-Nations game after tearing a groin muscle.

Jacobs has been replaced by Jaque Fourie, who resumes his midfield partnership with Jean de Villiers.

"It was a big setback to lose Adi. He has been in our plans for a long time. With Jaque coming in, our plans won't change that much. They are similar players and we will look to play a similar style of rugby with Jaque now at number 13. I am excited that the two are now reunited," de Villiers told a media briefing on Tuesday. In the only other change to the team that clinched the series against the British and Irish Lions by winning the second test, Heinrich Brussow replaced suspended Schalk Burger at flanker.

Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis, who played no part in the Lions series, has been brought into the 22-man squad as cover for captain John Smit, who will play his first Tri-Nations test in the number three jersey.

South Africa are hoping to beat New Zealand in Bloemfontein for the first time, having lost 15-9 to the All Blacks in 1976 and drawing 11-11 in 1960. - Reuter