Controversial Springbok Butch James says there's nothing premeditated in his physical approach as he gets set to target Wallabies star Matt Giteau, a player he rates in the same class as Dan Carter.
James' in-your-face-approach on Carter was a feature of the Boks two tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
South Africa's off-the-ball tactics and their special attention on Carter drew criticism from All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
And while Carter survived the tough examination physically and still dominated matches with his kicking, it was noticeable that once again the Boks were able to shut down the dangerous running game of New Zealand's playmaker. James was a key figure in that successful ploy.
Now James, who has a history of "no arms tackling", is out to do the same to Giteau, the class act in the Wallabies side, as the Tri Nations attention switches to Perth on Saturday night.
"I never talk about being physical, it just comes naturally to me. I don't go out and try to be like that, it just happens," Butch told media when asked his approach was premeditated.
Delighted to help the Boks to a rare win over the All Blacks in New Zealand, James expects the assignment in Perth to be just as difficult. And he says he's going to have to lift his game because he's not happy with his performances.
Having spent the season with English club Bath he is still coming to grips with the ELVs and the major impact they have on the first five-eighths' influential role.
"I'm not playing well at all at the moment, especially in that first game (in Wellington). Even the second game was not that good," a brutally honest James said. "I let myself down in most areas. I missed a few tackles and my option-taking wasn't always right. I just didn't feel great."
Having seen off Jonny Wilkinson to win the World Cup, he's now relishing matching his game against Carter and Giteau in the Tri Nations.
"They're the two best flyhalves in the world and Giteau is similar to Carter in his skills. They're both really tough to play against because they're a threat on attack and they have good attacking games.
"Matt is really tough to close down. Even if you put two guys on him, then he'll put someone else through the gap."
James has nothing but respect for the Wallabies and believes Robbie Deans can take them to a new level.
"I actually thought they were better than the All Blacks in last year's Tri Nations. They were really physical and tough to break through and I'm sure their counter-attacking and defensive ability has gone up a level since then too.
"Those will be the products of having Robbie Deans as coach. His teams are always a threat, even if you got a few points ahead, you felt they could score a try from anywhere and overtake you again. His teams are patient and they don't mind hanging on to the ball.
"If we arrive on the weekend and just think it will happen for us then it will be a long day for us. It's pretty dangerous to fall back on our laurels."
Who would you have in your team - Butch James, Matt Giteau or Dan Carter? Is Butch a bully? Have your say on our comments system below.
