The newcomer factor. It worked when they beat the All Blacks in Sydney. It didn't succeed in Auckland. But the Wallabies are hoping the presence of a large contingent of players who haven't been psyched out by a Test loss on South African soil will work in their favour tonight when they seek their first Tri Nations victory in the Republic in eight years.

Coaches love talking about mind games, and something as seemingly minor as not carrying mental scars from a belting is regarded by the Wallabies as a significant element in their belief they can win at Durban's Kings Park - the venue where they last won in South Africa, in 2000.

That time, it was a last-minute Stirling Mortlock sideline penalty goal that won them the Test 19-18, prompting crazy scenes back at team headquarters, a luxurious golf resort several hours out of Durban. The highlight was several flamingos wandering into the main bar in the early hours, before heading back to their natural habitat, somewhat bewildered by what they had encountered.

Supporters, sponsors, team members and those in the media who have not suffered complete memory loss from the wild pace of the night, rate it one of the most extraordinary Wallabies after-match celebrations of all time.

Since then, after-match functions in South Africa have been subdued. That's not surprising considering that Australia's past eight Tests in South Africa have resulted in losses. Mortlock yesterday recalled the 2000 Test longingly, but admitted he would not lead teammates onto the ground and point to a certain tuft of grass and say: "This is where I won our only Tri Nations match in South Africa."

Mortlock wants to ensure no Wallaby gets overwhelmed by the occasion, or has negative from past South African nightmares. The latter is achievable, because eight Wallabies are preparing for their first Test on South African soil: Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, James Horwill, Peter Hynes, Hugh McMeniman, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Timana Tahu.

"That's a good thing," Mortlock said. "It means a lot less baggage among this crew. You saw the benefits of that in the first match against the All Blacks a while back. But ever more importantly the mindset of this team is extremely positive, which is quite different to where we've been.

"The environment is also somewhat more relaxed, and it revolves around backing yourself. So hopefully that will help drive us to get a better result."

Mortlock also believes playing in Durban will work in this young team's favour. It is without doubt one of the friendlier South African arenas - not surprising considering match days on the high veld resemble ancient feed-them-to-the-lions Colosseum scenes.

"Playing there at provincial level and with the Wallabies, you know that it is not an as confronting venue," Mortlock said. "When you play, even at [Cape Town's] Newlands, those venues are on top of you, and it's like a cauldron. There, the crowds can at times be quite hostile, whereas at Kings Park, there's still massive South African support, but it doesn't seem as if they are suffocating you."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans also stressed that this touring group was not scarred, and would not be tossing and turning at night because of past South African experiences. He believes this could be a defining factor.

"You could easily point to the fact that Australia haven't won over here for a long period of time," Deans said. "But that's not something which is a burden to them. It isn't to this group because they haven't been part of every step along the way.

"This is a unique gathering of players. We're now looking to use that opportunity. The past is not an anchor for us. In fact, it is probably more of a stimulant."

How much of a stimulant will be discovered in the coming hours, and whether flamingos are involved in the celebrations remains to be seen.

How they line up

AUSTRALIA
Drew Mitchell; Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom; Dan Vickerman, James Horwill; Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Ryan Cross.

SOUTH AFRICA
Conrad Jantjes; J P Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe; Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger; Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker; C J van der Linde, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Res: Adriaan Strauss, Brian Mujati, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Frans Steyn, Percy Montgomery.