Braam van Straaten intends making his 21st and final Test appearance for the Springboks - against England at Twickenham on Saturday - something special, although he says he is trying hard not to think about it too much.

The burly Springbok centre is joining the Leeds Tykes in the English Premiership after this Test and instead of departing for the United States with his team-mates, he will stay on for the Barbarians' game on Wednesday's night against Australia.

"I am trying hard not to build it into too big an occasion," said the Western Province stalwart. "Because when you put pressure on yourself the mistakes come. But you can be sure I will be doing everything in my power to help the team win.

"My boyhood dream of playing for my country is as alive today as it was 20 years ago, so I am still holding out hope Sarfu will change the rules and allow foreign-based players to play for the Springboks."

The 30-year-old said it has been a rather hectic week since arriving in London on Sunday. "My focus has been on the test match, but there has been quite a bit of activity from the field based on the fact that for the next few years I'll be calling the grey skies of England home.

"As I have said repeatedly, there are no regrets in my decision to take up a contract with Leeds. I have had wonderful memories in South Africa, most recently with the Stormers, Western Province and the Springboks.

"I play my last test at Twickenham and there cannot be too many better
send-offs, outside of playing at Newlands."

Van Straaten played down the emotions associated with a last game for your country. "The motivation, from my side, is to play well and make a contribution in a South African win. There will be no emotion about it being my last Test. To me it is a Test match against the in-form team in world rugby.

"I am going to have to give it everything and I certainly want to be among the winners when it is over."

The hard-running back made his name as a flyhalf, but last year Western Province coach Gert Smal moved him to inside centre to accommodate the skilful Chris Rossouw at No 10. Van Straaten played at flyhalf in the first tour match against France, but last week shifted to inside centre against Italy. This week he will again wear the No 12 jersey.

"I am happy to be playing at inside centre. I felt more comfortable in
the No 12 jersey than I did playing flyhalf against France. The tour has gone quickly, but it may be because of the defeat in France. As
always happens when a team loses, the intensity in preparation increases and the days seem to go by quicker.

"It was good to get the win against Italy. It helped with the confidence levels and I thought we played some decent rugby in the final hour, but England is the big one.

"Australia's defeat against the French seems to have put England's win (over the Aussies) into more perspective. We owe the English a win after last year's defeat."

And his team-mates owe Van Straaten a good send-off.