'WE must not let Wales catch us cold on Saturday' says Newport Gwent Dragons star Percy Montgomery, who has returned to the international fold for South Africa.

Monty is in the side to face Wales after completing a remarkable return to international rugby.

He had been missing for over two years after opting to move overseas and play for Newport, falling foul of South African regulations.

But after years of turmoil on and off the field and complete under-achieving Jake White, yet another new coach, seemed to strike the right balance as he sought to return the Springboks to the top.

He relaxed the overseas rule and it was agreed South Africa could include two players who had left the country. Montgomery was one (Jaco van der Westhuyzen the other) and immediately the results started to flow.

Ireland were dispatched and then came Wales in Pretoria in June and the Springboks won comfortably 53-18 though the Welsh team was well below strength.

Gradually South Africa knitted, they got better and better as their renowned power up front returned and they shocked the rugby world by winning the Tri Nations title.

South Africa are back big time and they play Wales in the first leg of what they hope will be a Grand Slam tour.

But Montgomery warns his teammates against underestimating Wales and he should know all about the strengths and weaknesses of Welsh rugby for he now plies his trade here and will act as a useful spy in the camp, especially after playing under Wales coach Mike Ruddock with the Dragons last season.

"I've got huge respect for Mike, I believe in what he's doing and he gets the basics right," said Monty.

"We don't underestimate any team and it won't be any different with Wales. They weren't as strong in the summer, but all their players are coming together now.

"We hope Wales won't catch us cold which is one reason why I went back to South Africa last week to learn the calls.

"The Welsh squad has been getting together for the past few weeks and they have been building. They will be a completely different side this time which is one of the challenges we've got to overcome."

Montgomery says South Africa are developing all the time and mentions back row pair Schalk Burger, the new sensation, and Joe van Niekerk as the ones to watch.

But he also praises the part played by White in their revival. "The whole country had been in turmoil so we needed guys who were hungry and glad for South African rugby to get it right," he said.

"We hadn't been competing in international rugby and it's good to see everyone get it right and be in a happy environment.

"The foundation has been laid, now it's up to the players to perform and it's about how badly do we want wins overseas.

"It's been a while since the guys have played together, we want to try new patterns, so we'll be a bit rusty in the beginning. We may have to grind out a win on Saturday."

Montgomery could be opposed by several Dragons teammates with Ruddock set to pick Michael Owen and possibly Hal Luscombe and Steve Jones, though Gareth Cooper looks like missing out because of his knee injury.

Wales (possible): G Thomas (captain), H Luscombe/R Williams), S Parker, G Henson, S Williams, S Jones, D Peel, D Jones, S Jones (or M Davies), A Jones, B Cockbain, M Owen, D Jones, R Jones, C Charvis.