Wallace more than just a ball carrier

Wallace starts for Grand Slam winners Ireland against World Cup holders South Africa, with talk of his battle with new Springbok sensation Heinrich Broussow receiving plenty of column inches.

Wallace came up against the Bok 'fetcher' on this year's British & Irish Lions tour as Broussow made his mark on the world stage.

And while the South African has been lauded for his groundwork at the breakdown, Wallace has traditionally been more famed for his impressive link play and his ability to take Ireland and Munster over the advantage line.

But the 33-year-old says that criticisms of his own work on the floor have never affected him and that he will be looking to ensure that Ireland win the battle of the breakdown on Saturday afternoon.

"For years, I've been getting that," Wallace told The Irish Times.

"Sometimes it's a little harsh saying I don't have that side to my game...I suppose it's not the main focus as a player, there's the ball-carrying and I like to get out among the backs.

"It's always an area that needs some work because it doesn't come naturally to me but when you focus on it, you can do just as good a job and one part of it will be negating the likes of Broussow and the other side of that is trying to turn over ball yourself, which is something I will try to focus on this weekend."

Saturday's highly-anticipated match up is the final game of what has been a hugely successful year for both country's.

Having secured their first Grand Slam triumph since 1948, Ireland are unbeaten throughout 2009, while South Africa have added a first Tri Nations crown since 2005 to a famous series victory over the Lions.

The Boks may have lost to France in Toulouse earlier this month as what has been a long season finally draws to an end for the southern hemisphere sides but Wallace dismisses any talk that injuries, tiredness and or a lack of mental focus will affect Ireland's opponents come the weekend.

"I wouldn't believe that for a second," added Wallace.

"They'll be very aware that it has been billed as the Grand Slam champions against the Tri Nations and World Cup champions. They will certainly be turning up and really wanting to win this game.

"It's up to us to stand up to that. I don't agree this is a good time to be playing them.

"There is the fear of the backlash as well and they're going to come with their very best game. I wouldn't be complacent at all. I'd be the other side of that fence in that they are really going to raise their game."