CENTURION (South Africa) - Clive Rice's reputation as a guru for reviving lost causes has already started with his latest project, Nottinghamshire, a county of under-achievers who are now camped with the former South African captain in the Pilansberg.

Whether a bonding session in the middle of a bushveld crawling with wild life is an ideal way to start a new partnership is a matter of conjecture. Even the first evidence of what is in store for the English County is unlikely to emerge when they meet a Northerns side at Centurion Park tomorrow.

After finishing 11th, 17th and 13th in the past three summers, Notts plunged to 16th last year in the county championship and the distinct threat of being cast adrift in the Second Division in 2000 has forced the county to seek the services of Rice as their director of coaching.

Rice led Notts to the championship title in 1981 and a championship and NatWest Trophy double in 1987 - his last season with the county as their captain.

``There is a buzz of anticipation at Trent Bridge this year at the return of one of the county's legends,'' said Nott's chief executive Mark Arthur. ``The mood is more optimistic than it has been for years and we are looking for big results from the South Africa tour.''

He said the appointment of Rice showed the county's intentions and the signing of Vasbert Drakes was also part of the county's uplftment in their management team's profile.

Rice joined the side when they arrived in the country on Saturday and began their sojourn in the Pilansberg as part of the ``getting to know you'' routine with matches at Centurion and the Wanderers.

Northerns will use Wednesday's match to give players such as Johan Myburgh a run with the senior squad as part of preparation for next season. There is likely to be a youthful look about the Northerns side as Peter Kirsten does some experimenting of his own.