The winds of change sweeping refreshingly through the Springbok class of 2001 was as evident as the blustery Plettenberg Bay weather, with the players starting their Aussie lessons in earnest on Wednesday.

National coach Harry Viljoen showed his business hand bringing in three Australian specialists to help with his ambitious plans and their influence on the players was immediate.

Star Bok flanker Rassie Erasmus epitomised the feeling in the squad when he said: "I'm really enjoying every moment of this. I always thought we were a bit behind in technique. I mean, we have the pace, power and passion, but we tended to leave the thinking behind."

The Australians responsible for this mindset after only three days at training camp - backline coach Tim Lane, defensive co-ordinator Les Kiss and catching and kicking expert Michael Byrne - put the players through their paces on Wednesday. The specialist trio all earned rave reviews from the players for essentially teaching them the importance of basics.

"They are teaching us the basics, an aspect we tend to forget," said fullback Percy Montogomery.

According to centre Robbie Fleck they are not only teaching the basics, but also refining and adding to them, creating a new dimension. "The stuff we have been doing these past few days have been completely different to the past," he said.

Prop Ollie le Roux did not quite go as far as calling the changes revolutionary, instead saying that rugby had changed dramatically and South Africa is now catching up. Le Roux's front row partner John Smit agreed, saying: "They definitely have something to offer. I saw immediately they could help."

Joining the Aussie trio on the training ground were Jake White, Andre Markgraaff and Harry himself, completing a very formidable coaching line-up.

The players have yet to start practising in combinations with backs and forwards running through the exercises freely. Gone are the days of forwards always slaving away at the scrumming machines and backs perfecting seldom-used first phase running.

The scrumming and intricate moves will come but for now it's back to the basics, all served up in a refreshing new manner. - Sapa