The return trip to South Africa remains the priority for the Australian cricketers, not the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand which starts on Sunday in Perth.
Captain Ricky Ponting says tonight's fifth one-dayer against the Proteas at the WACA Ground is a good chance to gain some momentum heading into next month's Test series in South Africa.
Australia trail the current one-day series 3-1 but Ponting said it was important to finish off with a win ahead of a five-match one-day series against New Zealand and a return trip to South Africa.
The Proteas have rested key pacemen Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn for today's match, while all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who has been battling a side strain, has also been given the night off.
South Africa will jump to top of the one-day rankings with a win over Australia.
The match starts at 5:30.
