South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has declared war on the Wallabies ahead of Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash in Perth.

De Villiers said Australia, who crashed out to England in the quarter-final stage of last year's World Cup, had a massive point to prove in their first Tri-Nations match under new coach Robbie Deans.

"We respect them, we know that they are going to be very tough because they've got a point to prove, too," de Villiers said.

"Everybody focuses on New Zealand falling out of the World Cup. Australia did, too, and I think they've also got a point to prove.

"They've got a great coach in, brilliant players.

"I mean If you play without Daniel Vickerman in the locks then the other locks must be great to be there.

"So we will be aware of the threats they can pose to us but, then again, it's war and you die."

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