Victory’s nervous wait on star trio

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MELBOURNE Victory faces a challenge hanging on to star visa duo Gui Finkler and Adama Traore while Archie Thompson's ­contract is no closer to being resolved.

Talks with the uncontracted trio have been going on for months and Victory officials remain "hopeful" of retaining all three.

The silver lining is that ­former captain Adrian Leijer, who could return from injury on Friday night against Central CoastMariners, is on the verge of ­extending his contract.

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Brisbane Roar striker ­Besart Berisha has been confirmed as Victory's international marquee player for next season, ­replacing Chilean Pablo Contreras, who is due to retire.

Left back Traore is on the verge of obtaining Australian citizenship. Although he's precluded from representing the Socceroos as he played for Ivory Coast at youth level, he won't take up a visa spot next season.

Midfielder James Jeggo, the only other player coming out of contract, is understood to have agreed to a two-year deal with Adelaide United from next season.

While the A-League salary cap is a replica of the AFL version, former Essendon and now Victory chief executive Ian Robson admitted the international component made it more challenging but was hopeful of retaining the stars.

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"We're in discussions with all four (Traore, Finkler, Thompson and Leijer) about their futures and beyond that we don't comment on the specifics of the conversations,'' Victory chief executive Ian Robson said.

"We're hopeful that we'll get some positive outcomes and get that news out in the coming weeks.''

Leijer, who fractured an eye socket three weeks ago, is tipped to sign a multi-year deal.

But it could be a new-look Victory next season with Tom Rogic (Celtic) and James Troisi (Juventus or Atalanta) expected to return to their parent clubs and Mauritian midfielder Jonathan Bru already released.

And though Mark Milligan has another 15 months to run on his contract, the captain is almost certain to field offers after the World Cup, where he is expected to play a key role for the Socceroos.

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Victory's challenges are not dissimilar to Western Sydney Wanderers, who have lost midfielder Aaron Mooy to Melbourne Heart for next season while star visa duo Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi are yet to re-sign.

A-League clubs must take a longer-term view of recruiting with Football Federation Australia announcing last month visa spots will be cut from five to four in season 2015-16.

They also announced that they were likely to switch to the Asian Football Confederation's 3+1 rule, which is the Asian Champions League regulation and the rule adopted in most leagues across the continent.

Meanwhile the match review panel on Monday night confirmed Victory defender Nick Ansell will serve a one-game ban for his derby red card on Saturday night.

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Heart fairytale rivals Wanderers

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AS outrageous as it sounds, Melbourne Heart is now a ­contender for this season's A-League championship in what looms as a Steven Bradbury-style finish.

Heart is four points adrift of the top six, but if it makes April's finals series, a grand final appearance on the first weekend of May is a strong possibility.

While Heart has a decent run home that includes games against fellow top-six hopefuls Newcastle, Wellington and Central Coast, John van't Schip's side fears no one. And that's why Heart looms as the team nobody would want to meet in the finals.

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League leader Brisbane Roar succumbed 1-0 to the league's in-form side a fortnight ago at AAMI Park and I wouldn't be surprised if Heart wins again when the sides meet in Brisbane on March 28.

The only blemish during a super consistent seven-game streak that has yielded 19 of a possible 21 points was conceding a last-minute equaliser away to Adelaide United, the team looming as Brisbane's main threat.

With Asian Champions League trio Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory and the Mariners a worry on recent performances, Heart could enter the finals series as the genuine form team.

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Two wins would be enough to propel it to the grand final, a feat that would go close to matching the Wanderers' debut season fairytale.

The mere presence of marquee player Orlando Engelaar lifts his teammates and his quality has been on show. His goal against Victory on Saturday was effortless and one perfectly weighted 50m pass to Mate ­Dugandzic was a ball few A-League players can hit.

With Harry Kewell to give Heart another dimension in attack and youngsters Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk improving every week, anything is possible.

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Revealed: Buzz Rothfield’s top 50

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THE best new signings in rugby league in 2014 won't necessarily be Ben Barba at the Broncos, Sam Tomkins at the Warriors or Will Hopoate at Parramatta.

A player on just a third of their salaries might just prove to be the game's top recruit.

Tyrone Peachey, snapped up by the Panthers from the Sharks, has made The Daily's Telegraph's top 50 player list.

VIEW THE LIST NOW: HERE IS OUR SPECIAL TOP 50 INTERACTIVE!

The 22-year-old has the skill to play five-eighth or the strength and size to play back-row.

Despite only seven first grade appearances, plenty of good judges rate him a future State of Origin player.

The experience he gained in last year's finals series will be invaluable in his debut year at the Panthers.

He has been included at number 50.

Peachey is the only Penrith player to make the top 50. The players I had most trouble leaving out were centre Dean Whare and hooker James Segeyaro.

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Buzz's top 50 NRL players. Source: DailyTelegraph

Jamal Idris, Tim Grant and Jamie Soward didn't do enough last year to warrant inclusion.

It's very much a revamped top 50 from last year with nine newcomers in the list of players between 26 and 50.

Jake Friend, Josh Papalii, George Burgess, Boyd Cordner, Jorge Taufua are among the new players that demanded selection.

All four could have made the top 25 list in tomorrow's edition but have been beaten by more experienced players.

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Obviously there are casualties from last year's top 50.

The likes of Wade Graham, Michael Ennis, Dave Taylor, Sam Kasiano, Kurt Gidley, Dave Shillington and Tony Williams have missed out.

Their form last year wasn't good enough to warrant inclusion, especially big T Rex.

Others have slipped out of the top 25 but still made the top 50.

Ben Barba, on the back of his Dally M year, was rated the fifth best player in rugby league this time last year.

He's slipped 22 spots to 27 this year.

Manly's Anthony Watmough (19 to 30), the Gold Coast's Nate Myles and Greg Bird have also tumbled.

DON'T MISS: PART TWO, 25-1 WILL BE REVEALED ON WEDNESDAY!

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Live: Faf leads Proteas resistance

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RYAN Harris has recovered from his miserable series to put Australia in a commanding position during the third and final Test at Newlands.

The veteran paceman conjured the ball of the match to bowl the dangerous Hashim Amla for 38 as South Africa struggled to 6-200 at tea on the third day.

The home side was still 294 runs behind Australia's 7-494 after Michael Clarke declared on the overnight score, leaving him unbeaten on 161.

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Harris claimed three of the first six wickets to fall, removing Amla and JP Duminy during a wonderful exhibition of reverse swing bowling.

New ball partner Mitchell Johnson had two important wickets, removing the dangerous AB de Villiers for just 14 driving at a delivery without moving his feet to be well caught by Clarke at second slip.

It was a welcome change from the second Test in Port Elizabeth, where Australia's fast bowlers were impotent while South Africa was devastating with reverse swing.

Harris claimed his first wicket in just the third over of the day when he had South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind for 5, continuing his poor series with the bat.

Smith has scored just 42 runs at an average of eight with a top score of 14.

It was a fine delivery from Harris, moving away from the left hander to take the edge on the way through to Brad Haddin.

After exceptional back to back Ashes campaigns Harris has struggled to get going in this series, looking for all the world like a 34-year-old fast bowler with a long injury history.

Ryan Harris celebrates after dismissing Graeme Smith. Source: AFP

He had been down on pace and often began spells with juicy short balls outside off stump which were easily dispatched. This explained series figures of just three wickets at an average of 74 going into this match.

But from the outset of South Africa's innings Harris's pace was up and his accuracy was impeccable, constantly asking questions of the batsmen.

Haddin was involved in the first three dismissals but it is unlikely that he has taken a finer catch than the second one he snaffled to remove Dean Elgar (11).

Recalled paceman James Pattinson bowled a wonderful delivery which seamed back into the left hander at good pace and took an inside edge.

Haddin changed direction instantly and dived full length to his right to gather the ball one-handed as he flew horizontal to the ground.

However Haddin missed a stumping off Nathan Lyon when Faf du Plessis was 30.

Mitchell Johnson claimed the third wicket after roughing up an enterprising Alviro Petersen. He made 53 from 62 balls with eight fours before gloving a short ball down the leg side.

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Live: rain halts Clarke’s charge

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MICHAEL Clarke has continued his impressive tradition of making big hundreds.

The Australian captain went past 150 for the 10th time in his career as Australia dominated the third and final Test at Newlands.

When rain stopped play midway through the second day Australia was 7-494 with Clarke unbeaten on 161.

The wind was so strong that groundsmen holding the covers were blown over.

Australia must win this Test to claim the series and history says they're well on the way.

Just five times has Australia scored more runs during an innings in South Africa, and won every match.

MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, LIVE SCOREBOARD, STATS AND MORE

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Resuming on 92, Clarke took 24 balls to move from 99 to 100, eventually cover driving Vernon Philander to the boundary, breaking the tension and bringing up Test century number 27.

It broke a drought of 11 innings where his top score had been just 24.

Steve Smith appeared as though he would become the third Australian to reach a hundred behind Clarke and David Warner but on 84 chopped a wide long-hop from occasional left arm spinner Dean Elgar into his stumps, ending as partnership of 184 with Clarke.

Resuming on 50, Smith played some delightful strokes. He lifted a ball from Philander back over his head for six and spanked a lofted cover drive from the dangerous Morne Morkel, which also cleared the fence.

Shane Watson, in the all-rounders spot at number six, was in a hurry, scoring 40 in just 32 balls with three sixes before holing out to long off.

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Brad Haddin (13) did something similar swatting a catch to mid-off and Mitchell Johnson made a first ball duck when a lengthy review overturned a not out decision for a catch down the leg side off JP Duminy. It appeared Johnson's bat may have hit the ground, making the noise that snicko showed which convinced video umpire Richard Illingworth contact had been made between bat and ball.

Clarke showed no sign of the battering he received from Morkel on Saturday after being struck a number of times.

Given the problems that Morkel caused Clarke on the opening day it was a great surprise that the tall paceman did not start proceedings on day two.

This was particularly so with Dale Steyn off the field carrying a right hamstring injury. He is hoping to bowl in the second innings but will need to pass a fitness Test.

Even if Steyn was fit to bowl he would have been unable to resume in the first innings given he spent so long off the ground on day one.

It is the second time in as many matches that South African captain Graeme Smith has been a bowler down after Wayne Parnell suffered a groin strain in Port Elizabeth.

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Cherry-Evans fave to claim Dally M

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DALY Cherry-Evans was booed off the stage when he won the Clive Churchill Medal for the best player on grand final day last year but the Manly halfback will start the 2014 season as the favourite to take out the Dally M Medal.

Cherry-Evans confirmed his standing as one of the game's genuine superstars in 2013 and he will lead a star-studded field in TAB betting for the NRL's most prestigious individual prize this year.

Cherry-Evans is the $7 favourite for the Dally M Medal ahead Johnathan Thurston at $9 and Greg Inglis at $11.

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Andrew Johns and Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans after winning the Clive Churchill Medal. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Cherry-Evans was the best player on the field for the majority of the grand final but there was plenty of criticism of the judges when he won the medal because the Roosters ended up winning the game and most believed Sonny Bill Williams had the biggest impact on the final result.

But no one could criticise Cherry-Evans' contribution in that game and after that he went away with the Kangaroos to the World Cup and was unlucky not to steal the starting halfback's job from Cooper Cronk.

In the end Tim Sheens stuck with Cronk as his top choice halfback but Cherry-Evans beat Robbie Farah for a spot on the bench and was outstanding for the Kangaroos throughout the tournament.

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His representative rivalry with Cronk is sure to continue this year in the countdown to State of Origin with some already suggesting it's only going to be a matter of time before Cherry-Evans takes Cronk's title as the best number seven in the game.

Cronk finished last year as the Dally M Medal winner just ahead of a three-way tie for second between Cherry-Evans, Thurston and Todd Carney.

Cronk will start 2014 as a $21 Dally M Medal hope along with Mitchell Pearce and Cameron Smith rounding out the top ten.

Plenty are also predicting a huge year for Pearce who was outstanding for the Roosters in their World Club Challenge win over Wigan on the back of his breakthrough NRL finals campaign.

TAB's Glenn Munsie said Cherry-Evans' favouritism for the award highlights just how highly he is now rated.

"Marquee players will always dominate a Dally M market," Munsie said.

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"The history of the Dally M shows it is dominated by the players who get their hands on the ball more often than not.

"Cherry-Evans has proven himself as one of the best playmakers in the game and this award is often goes to the best playmakers."

Sonny Bill Williams won the international player of the year award last year ahead of Inglis but the South Sydney fullback is finally fully fit and is primed for another massive year.

Inglis was the early leader last year for the Dally M Medal before he suffered a knee injury in Origin three that hampered his performances during the back end of the season.

Inglis' running game was nowhere near its damaging best during the finals but he started to return to his powerful best at the World Cup.

Jarryd Hayne is also expected to have his best year since 2009 after his tremendous World Cup campaign.

"Guys like Inglis, Hayne and Billy Slater will always come into the calculations because they are game-changing players that always attract votes from the judges," Munsie added.

TOP Ten in TAB Dally M Medal betting:

Daly Cherry-Evans $7

Johnathan Thurston $9

Greg Inglis $11

Shaun Johnson $13

Jarryd Hayne $15

Sonny Bill Williams $15

James Maloney $17

Cooper Cronk $21

Mitchell Pearce $21

Cameron Smith $ 21

Will Daly Cherry-Evans win the Dally M this year?

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Arthur puts electric back in Eels

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PARRAMATTA is set to become the Electric Eels once again.

New coach Brad Arthur will dump the club's conservative attacking approach and implement a new flamboyant playing style where players will be told to "back themselves.''

"I don't want them to be nervous or baulk,'' Arthur said.

The exciting new approach comes on the back of damning statistics showing Parramatta has an abysmal tryscoring record over the past four years.

Parramatta crossed just 57 times in 24 matches last season - the lowest amount of any side in the NRL.

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The previous year they finished second last in the NRL with just 73 tries. The Eels were equal last in 2011 and second last in 2010.

Arthur has told his players go "play some footy''.

"We want high completions but we also want to be playing a bit of footy,'' Arthur told The Daily Telegraph.

"We have been encouraging our forwards to pass and off-load. I want them to play what they see and hopefully that will create a few points.

"I want them to back themselves. That is how we have trained in the off-season.

"There is a fine line there and an error will bring consequences. That being having to defend a set.

Brad Arthur during a Parramatta Eels training camp at Kiama. pic mark evans Source: News Limited

"We need to complete our sets and build pressure but you don't get many opportunities so, when you do, you have to take them.

"I don't want them being nervous or baulk. If they execute well, there shouldn't be a problem.''

The recruitment of former NSW star Will Hopoate will certainly help Parramatta's trycoring capabilities.

He will be named in the centres for next Sunday night's match against New Zealand and finally offer some support for Jarryd Hayne.

"(But) for Will to finish off we have to create opportunities on the inside otherwise there won't be any opportunities,'' Arthur said.

Arthur is facing a monumental first-up challenge.

Check out these Fox Sports stats.

* The Eels have won just 11 games in the past two seasons for a winning percentage of only 22.9 per cent.

* Since the 2009 grand final, Parramatta has won just 27 of 96 games for a winning ratio of only 28.8 per cent.

* Parramatta has not won away from home since round 21, 2012. In that game, they beat Broncos at Suncorp Stadium (42-22).

* The Eels are currently on a 15 game losing streak away from home.

* Parramatta has run last in the past two years.

A dejected Parramatta team after a try. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Limited

"We don't want to be flicking balls out of their backsides but we have worked hard on our skills,'' Arthur said.

Another team looking to exit the doldrums is Wests Tigers, who won just seven games last season.

Prop Keith Gollway though said his side won't be playing under any pressure this season.

"I think it's good that nobody really rates us this year,'' said Galloway.

"I suppose now the media don't really expect us to go well this year, so it's actually a good thing for the club to use to use this year.

"A lot of guys here have some points to prove after last season."

Will the Eels make the top eight this year?

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Walker ready to tackle big boys

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DON'T expect Dylan Walker to get overawed as he counts down the sleeps to Thursday night's NRL season kick-off.

The teenage sensation will be charged with saving South Sydney from a halves crisis in 2014 following the injury to Luke Keary.

But the 19-year-old who still lives at home has revealed switching from centre to five-eighth this year will be like going back to school.

After his outstanding rookie season playing in the centres, Walker is tipped to wear the vacant number six jumper for the Rabbitohs in the opening blockbuster against the Roosters.

Souths had their off-season plans shattered when young playmaker Keary went down at the Nines with a pectoral injury that will sideline him for most of the season.

Coach Michael Maguire had already forecast his intentions to move skipper John Sutton from five-eighth into the forwards this year.

But many expected Keary's injury would force Souths to abandon those plans.

However Walker got time in the halves in the Rabbitohs trials and even without Adam Reynolds in the Charity Shield the Rabbitohs didn't miss a beat.

Now Walker has revealed why.

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Not only did he spend his entire junior career playing five-eighth at the same school as Reynolds but he also trained in the halves during the pre-season, even before Keary was injured.

"It's not a massive change for me I guess because I have done some pre-season training in that position and I know what I have to do there," Walker said.

"I got familiar with the role and all the plays.

"I have always loved the five-eighth position.

"Luke is one of my close mates and his injury has set him back and I wish him all the best.

"It has given me a chance I guess."

Walker went to Matraville High and was a few years below Reynolds at school.

"When I first started playing football I played centre as a young kid but ever since under nines I have played five-eighth," he added.

South Sydney's Dylan Walker attempts to bust the tackle of Dragon's Mitch Rein. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"It wasn't until last year's pre-season that I got chucked in to play centre and it just went from there.

"I played two or three games in the halves in under 20's last year but from there I started playing centre.

"But playing five-eighth is not new to me."

In one of the fastest backlines in the competition, Walker is also the quickest player at the Rabbitohs off the mark and you can bet he will use his blinding speed to test opposition defences again this year.

He scored eight tries in his debut season but he admits he is looking forward to getting his hands on the ball more playing in the halves.

Walker grew up supporting the Rabbitohs but ask him to name the greatest influence on his career and he tells you about his mum Judy.

He is the youngest of eight children and he says his mum always taught him the value of hard work.

Dylan Walker juggles a football during South Sydney Rabbitohs "extras " training. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

"It was tough for my mum,' he said.

"She had to go work early and get home late so she could put food on the table for us.

"But mum has been my biggest supporter.

"I still live at home now and she goes to every game she can.

"I don't think she has ever missed a game.

"She went to Perth last year when we played the Warriors and she came up to the Titans game on the Gold Coast.

"She wanted to go to the Auckland Nines but I had to tell her to watch it at home.

"I'm glad to have a mum like I have. She is really proud.

"Football has changed my life but mum has taught me you always have to stay humble.

"This year I just want to do my job for the boys."

Who should South Sydney play at five-eighth?

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Libba the next Ablett

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WHEN Gary Ablett finally relinquishes his mantle as the best midfielder in the game, the unlikely figure of Tom Liberatore has the tools to inherit his thorny crown.

Adelaide jet Patrick Dangerfield, Fremantle semi-trailer driver Nathan Fyfe or Richmond captain Trent Cotchin will all be candidates to an unofficial title that Bob Skilton, Leigh Matthews and Robert Harvey held over the years.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANDO'S MIDFIELD MAESTROS AND A STAR SWAN WHO COULD NEED SURGERY

Then there are the kids such as Harley Bennell, Dion Prestia, Jaeger O'Meara, or even the better established in Joel Selwood, Scott Pendlebury and Daniel Hannebery.

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But it's the blue-collar worker in Tom Liberatore who I believe will eventually become the next supreme master of the midfield.

"Libba" may lack the explosiveness of Dangerfield, the marking of Fyfe or the exquisite balance of Cotchin, but he has an ability to win contested ball rarely seen from one so young.

Tom Liberatore in action on Wednesday. Source: News Corp Australia

We are talking about a 21-year-old who last year led the AFL in clearances, finished third behind Sydney's Josh Kennedy and Ablett in contested possession and ranked fourth in total tackles.

His tackling, at an average of more than six per game, is the area where he sets himself apart from most of his rivals, although Andrew Swallow, Pendlebury and Ablett also recorded strong averages.

Liberatore, 182cm, now has to add further dimensions to his inside game and that will come as his running patterns improve as they have over summer.

Kicking more goals (just 11 in 55 games) and becoming dangerous inside the forward 50m will become a focus for a lad who arrived at the Western Bulldogs via St Kevin's, Calder under-18s and St Bernard's.

He will never have the breakaway speed that has been the signature of Ablett and Chris Judd, but nor did Greg Williams or Michael Voss. Liberatore will always find the ball. And if his level of improvement continues its current trend, he will be something very special in three years.

Ablett at 21 was a very exciting small forward, but former Geelong great Paul Couch was laughed at in 1984 when he said the then 20-year-old Ablett had the ability to rival Voss, if not surpass him.

No one is laughing now. Liberatore may just be a similar package.

Gary Ablett has two Brownlow medals. Source: Getty Images

ANDO'S MIDFIELD MAESTROS

The best VFL/AFL midfielder since 1960

1960-65: Bob Skilton

1966-70: Ian Stewart

1971-75: Kevin Bartlett

1976-80: Leigh Matthews

1981-85: Tim Watson

1986-90: Greg Williams

1991-95: Garry Hocking

1996-2000: Robert Harvey

2001-05: Michael Voss

2006-13: Gary Ablett

A LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

IN keeping with the recent trend of elite golfers on AFL lists (as in Brendon Goddard and Sam Fisher), Carlton's Dale "Daisy" Thomas shows some talent.

Thomas, 26, can hit a seriously long ball as evidenced by a booming drive on the fifth hole at Green Acres Golf Club in Kew at a pro-am on February 7.

The hole was playing 283m when right-hander Thomas stepped up and smashed his drive 4m past the cup to win the longest drive.

For his efforts Thomas won a $500 Nike driver which he promptly handed to 15-year-old club member Tom Allan with the sentence: "You will use it more than me."

Given Thomas plays off a liberal 27 he clearly spends more of his spare time surfing than driving and putting. Even so, it would probably be wise not to involve money when next playing him.

Dale Thomas Tees off. Source: News Limited

HAVE YOU HEARD?

SYDNEY gun forward Kurt Tippett is suffering from a form of knee tendinitis that may require surgery should it worsen.

Word is the 202cm ex-basketballer has been restricted of late, but will push on in the hope it improves. If not, he could head down the Steven Motlop surgery route which could mean up to three months on the sidelines.

Kurt Tippett could need surgery. Source: Getty Images

DUNSTALL FOR THE COUCH?

JASON Dunstall is expected to occupy the vacant On The Couch seat for 2014, with the line-up to be named on Monday night at the annual FOX FOOTY launch.

Dunstall, 49, will replace Paul Roos and was selected for the show's 20th season ahead of Michael Voss, Mark Ricciuto, John Worsfold and David King.

On The Couch with Bruce McAvaney hosting and Mike Sheahan leading interrogator, began in 1995 as Talking Footy on Channel Seven with Malcolm Blight in the expert's seat.

Blight was followed by Leigh Matthews, Blight again, Terry Wallace, Robert Walls, James Hird and Roos.

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Live: Warner cruises, Clarke battles

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DAVID Warner has sought redemption from his team mates in the best possible way by scoring a century but his captain Michael Clarke has received a fearful battering.

After days of controversy, a $2900 fine and in house punishment for accusing South Africa of ball tampering, Warner ensured Australia made a flying start to the deciding third and final Test at Newlands.

The powerful left hander brought up his seventh Test century in just 104 balls with 10 fours as Australia moved to 2-195 approaching tea on the first day with Warner 121 not out and Clarke a sore, unbeaten 22.

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While Dale Steyn was off the field receiving treatment on his right hamstring, Clarke suffered some terrible blows from the dangerous Morne Morkel bowling short from around the wicket with a leg side field.

After receiving extended treatment for a blow on his left arm Clarke was then felled by a Morkel short ball which flicked the batsman's shoulder and cannoned into the side of his neck.

Moving back up the order to number four, with Shane Watson returning to the side at six, Clarke went down on one knee and stayed down for some time as team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris ran onto the field again to treat the captain.

Chris Rogers was dismissed by Dale Steyn. Source: Getty Images

To his credit Clarke continued and stood up to the assault.

It was Warner's fourth century of the summer after scoring two during the Ashes series, along with an 83 not out, and one in the first Test at Centurion Park.

In what appeared a somewhat desperate act, South African captain Graeme Smith called for a DRS review when, on 95, Warner attempted to pull a delivery from Steyn which clearly hit the left hander on the thigh pad.

The way Warner batted with such controlled aggression it appeared a very good toss for Clarke to win on the dry, shaved pitch.

Chris Rogers (25) was the only wicket to fall before lunch, caught at first slip playing a loose drive during the first over of Steyn's second spell after an opening stand of 65.

Alex Doolan (20) looked comfortable playing the anchor role in a 73-run partnership with Warner before skying an ambitious pull to mid-on.

Warner was the leading run scorer during the Ashes with 523 runs at an average of 58, including two centuries, and his scores in the first two Tests were 12, 115, 70 and 66, to make him the highest run scorer in this series as well.

Australia and South Africa both made two changes.

Watson is playing his first Test of the series, replacing Shaun Marsh, while James Pattinson has been included in the place of Peter Siddle.

South Africa included Alviro Petersen and Kyle Abbott for Quinton de Kock and Wayne Parnell.

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