Bok coach compares recalled Goosen with Barrett

Nelspruit (South Africa) (AFP) - Coach Allister Coetzee hopes recalled Johan Goosen can have the same impact on South Africa as Beauden Barrett has had on world champions New Zealand.

The versatile back, who plays for French champions Racing 92, returns after two seasons in the Test wilderness for a Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday.

"When people watch New Zealand they are excited by Beauden Barrett and we have a similar type of player in Johan Goosen," Coetzee told reporters.

"He is really quick off the mark, has unbelievable running abilities, aerial skills that are second to none, and can kick the ball a mile."

Goosen replaces the off-form Willie le Roux at full-back, the position he occupied in his last of six appearances for the Springboks.

Being compared with Barrett is setting the bar high as the All Blacks playmaker scored 26 points, including two tries, in a 46-6 rout of Wales two months ago.

Barrett also played a key role for new Super Rugby champions Wellington Hurricanes and finished the competition as the leading points scorer.

Coetzee expects Goosen, whose recall came after a string of good performances for Racing, to provide greater tactical-kicking balance.

"We now have right-footed kickers in Johan and (winger) Ruan Combrinck and left-footed kickers in (fly-half) Elton Jantjies and (scrum-half) Faf de Klerk," said Coetzee.

The coach believes an over-reliance on left-footed kickers contributed to an underwhelming 2-1 home series success over Ireland in June.

Another France-based Springbok to win a recall is winger Bryan Habana, who was part of the 2007 World Cup-winning team. He replaces another veteran, JP Pietersen.

There are three changes to the pack that started in a series-clinching 19-13 third Test win over the Irish with two injury enforced.

Prop Julian Redelinghuys, lock Lood de Jager and flanker Teboho 'Oupa' Mohoje replace Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi.

Argentina, who stunned South Africa in Durban last year to record their only victory in 22 Tests between the countries, believe they can succeed again.

"We always believe we can beat the Springboks and are confident going into this match," flanker Pablo Matera told reporters.

"However, all of us will have to perform at our best to repeat what we achieved in Durban.

"The forwards battle will determine the outcome and we are going up against one of the best packs in the world.

"Springboks love to drive and maul and are great scrummagers. We have been preparing for a match dominated by the packs."

Matera forms an impressive back row with experienced Juan Manuel Leguizamon and exciting young No. 8 Facundo Isa.

Skipper Agustin Creevy wins his 50th cap and coach Daniel Hourcade lavished praise on the hooker.

"He deserves to enjoy the occasion. Playing 50 times for the Pumas is a dream and I hope he plays 50 more Tests," he said.

Five hours before the Springboks and Pumas do battle, title-holders Australia and three-time champions New Zealand get the annual Championship under way in Sydney.