International News:South Africa have made three changes to the side that beat Wales for Saturday's showdown with the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Bismarck du Plessis comes in at hooker for World Cup-winning captain John Smit, who has been denied permission to play in the fixture by his club Clermont Auvergne.

Veteran lock Johan Ackermann replaces the injured Bakkies Botha, who withdrew from the squad after damaging his ankle in Saturday's 34-12 victory over Wales.

The final change comes on the wing, where Akona Ndungane replaces JP Pietersen in the number 14 jersey. With Smit absent, Sharks second row Johann Muller will captain the team for the second time.

In total, there are six survivors from the starting line-up that defeated England 15-6 in last month's World Cup final.

The fixture against the Barbarians brings down the curtain on South Africa's season - and marks the end of Jake White's reign as coach.

SOUTH AFRICA: (v the Barbarians at Twickenham, on Saturday): R Pienaar; A Ndungane, J Fourie, F Steyn, B Habana; A Pretorius, E Januarie; CJ Van der Linde, B Du Plessis, J Du Plessis, J Muller (captain), J Ackermann, S Burger, J Smith, R Kankowski. Replacements: T Liebenberg, H Van Der Merwe, A Van Den Berg, B Pieterse, W Olivier, W Julies, C Jantjes.

Meanwhile, Ben Cohen yesterday revealed he is close to finalising a contract that will end his spell in the rugby wilderness and revive his England ambitions.

The 29-year-old winger has decided to stay in the Premiership and hinted that Leicester remains a possible destination after revealing he would not be required to move from his east midlands base. "I'm sorting out a club now," said Cohen, who has been named on the bench for the Barbarians.