STOP Percy Montgomery -- that is one of the targets Wales coach Mike Ruddock, Monty's former coach with Newport Gwent Dragons, sets his team going into Saturday's crunch against Tri Nations champions South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

Monty will provide the Springboks with all the knowledge they need about the Welsh players, but Ruddock will aim to nullify what Monty is able to achieve on the field.

"Percy is a magnificent player who has done so much for Newport and the Dragons. He is the sort of player we've got to try to stop playing," said Ruddock.

"He's got a big left boot and we've got to try to chase him down and hope time and space is something he doesn't get."

Springboks coach Jake White also sings the praises of the Dragons star who will win his 58th cap on Saturday.

"It's ideal to have Monty playing overseas, it's a huge bonus for us to get to know the players," he said.

"He has played in over 50 Tests, played in four positions and is a great asset to us and has a huge influence on our younger players. He knows the players and the conditions. We're hoping he'll be lucky for us in this Test and in the others."

White says there is an opportunity for the Springboks to create history by achieving a Grand Slam of victories against the home countries.

"Some players never get the opportunity to play against the four home unions on one tour. But we've got to be realistic, this is still a young side with an average age of 23 though it has surpassed all expectations," he said.

And he warned Wales, "If we lose our first game the whole Grand Slam is gone so we have to start well. The last time we were together we were jumping for joy at Kings Park Stadium (when they clinched the Tri Nations title). The whole of South Africa would like to see where we go from here.

"That's the challenge, to maintain our momentum. The last South African team to win the Grand Slam was Avril Malan's side in 1961 so I hope the players appreciate what sort of opportunity they have."

South Africa captain John Smit said, "The most important game is the first one. We haven't achieved much yet, but confidence is the most powerful tool any team can have and being successful in the Tri Nations gives self confidence."

l The teams have agreed the Millennium Stadium roof will remain open unless conditions are dreadful.