RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND TWO: South Africa is not only going for a rare double in Australia on Saturday but they are also on a trajectory to make it four in a row against the Wallabies.
The clash in Perth in the second round of the Rugby Championship is a chance to make history after the Springboks’ resounding win last week in Brisbane.
And although it is a vastly different Bok side to the one from last week, coach Rassie Erasmus still included seven World Cup winners in the starting line-up with eight on the bench.
All eyes will be on the very young halfback combination of Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngmezulu.
To their credit, they have the experienced Jesse Kriel and Lukhanyo Am next to them to keep them calm and guide them through tricky situations.
The role of line-out specialist Ruan Nortje will be vital, especially to keep the incoming Australian Josh Nasser at bay in the line-outs while Elrigh Louw will also play a big role at No. 8.
There is no question that the two Bulls forwards will make their presence felt, especially in the rucks and mauls, where Louw can be a menace.
On Friday Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the team that was picked is still a team the coaches trust to make it a double in Perth, a city jampacked with South Africans.
“It was not easy for us to get a win in Australia. But the way we pitched up, I think we started very well and we were in control for most of the time in the game,” Stick reflected.
“To transform the team the way we want to transform…we always talk about building the squad depth, so we don’t always just focus on winning. We don’t want to say if we lose it will be a total failure.
“It will be even better for us to win two out of two away from home,” the coach said.
“I think the main thing tomorrow is for us to go and win the game and then we’ll take it from there.
“We will have to improve tomorrow to be able to get that second win.
“What happened last week happened, but I think it’s all in the past,” he stated.
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Captain Salmaan Moerat spoke about the support the team received from South Africans in Perth, and how it special it was.
“At training every single day there was a large group of people and it’s really nice to see.
“It’s comforting to know that so many people are supporting us.
“And we really hope they do come out on Saturday in large numbers to support us and hopefully we can put up a performance that can make them proud,” Moerat said.
Australia’s coach Joe Schmidt boosted his side with the returns of two-time John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete and prop Angus Bell for the rematch.
Schmidt also signaled his intent by naming Waratahs youngster Max Jorgensen on the bench for a possible debut against the world champions.
The 19-year-old was part of Eddie Jones’ 2023 World Cup squad in France but missed out on making his debut after breaking his leg in training.
A lot of rain is predicted for the Test match and the Wallabies might be best prepared for these conditions.
Australia’s captain Allan Alaalatoa says they are well and truly prepared for the big wet and soft surface.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast possible storms and heavy falls for Perth on Saturday, with 15-40mm of rain tipped to fall during the day.
The Perth Stadium surface has come under heavy fire this season in AFL circles for being too slippery, and Saturday’s heavy rain is set to exacerbate the problem.
Alaalatoa said the Wallabies were well aware of the predicted rain and the quality of the turf leading into the game.
“It’s a bit soft underneath,” he told reporters on Friday after training in Perth.
“I think that’s probably due to the weather that it’s had.
“We’ve spoken about that as a pack and as a team, just making sure that you have the right essentials with your boots, to make sure that you take every opportunity that counts.
The Wallabies have been boosted by the return of two-time John Eales Medallist Marika Koroibete and star prop Angus Bell.
Alaalatoa hopes Bell will help his side turn the tables in the scrum.
“He’s a big body,” Alaalatoa said.
“We all know the talent that he is and the things that he’s done in this gold jersey.
“It (the scrum battle) is a great challenge and it was a tough learning for us last weekend.
“We didn’t go out there and execute the plan that we wanted, and as a front row, we’ve spoken about that.
“Technically we need to be better.”
Players to watch:
For South Africa: The powerful centre combination of Kriel and Am needs no introduction. They are world-class, on defence and attack, and will be a huge threat to the Aussies in midfield. Makazole Mapimpi knows how to score tries and if a small gap opens up, he will cross the whitewash. Up front is where it all starts but the Boks scrum has been there and done that, they need no introduction.
For Australia: Let’s start with Marika Koroibete. He is one of the fastest players in world rugby and has set the benchmark for winges the last two or three years. There is no doubt he will test the Boks’ defence out wide. Harry Wilson was the one Wallaby who held his head high in last week’s Test match and he gets another opportunity. His performance in the line-outs was exceptional. The return of Angus Bell and the inclusion of prop-turned-hooker Josh Nasser for his debut start indicates their intention to take down the back-to-back World Cup champions.
Prediction:
@rugby365: Springboks by 15 points
Teams:
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handré Pollard.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (11.45 SA time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
*Additional source @AFP
