SPRINGBOKS flanker Schalk Burger is promising that South Africa’s beefy pack will do their best to protect their new fly-half from a Welsh charge.

Utility back Ruan Pienaar has been handed the number 10 shirt, the first time he has started at the position at international level after caps as a full-back, scrum-half and wing.

Ruffling the 24-year-old Sharks star will be high up on the agenda for Warren Gatland and his coaching team, but Martyn Williams et al will have to get past some pretty big forwards to do so.

“There is always the responsibility to try and protect your ten and give him space and we will try and help Ruan where we can because he hasn’t played there very often,” said Burger, who will win 47th cap.

“He will be under a bit of pressure but he is such a good player that I am sure he will pull through.

“Ruan is a very talented player and hopefully he can use this opportunity to kick-start a new position for him.”

Ominously for Wales, Burger headed to Europe refreshed and ready for action after disappointment on the domestic front.

“With Western Province and the Stormers not making any play-offs this year, I have had more time off than most of the guys in the squad,” he said.

“Often we are struggling with fatigue by the time we get to this tour but I am actually very hungry to play and to go out and win this match. I feel mentally refreshed.”

While Burger is part of a formidable pack, speedster Bryan Habana knows that it is up to him and his fellow fliers to get the big boys on the front foot.

“As much as the work will have to be done up front by what is a good pack, our backs have to lay the foundations for them by going forward,” said the winger. “From nine to 15 we all have to make a contribution.”