The world champion Springboks are in search of consistency on the street after erratic type at dwelling against Wales and New Zealand noticed South Africa win three Tests and lose two.
South Africa’s fullback Damian Willemse (C) runs with the ball in the course of the Rugby Championship worldwide rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 13 August 2022. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
ADELAIDE – South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber is demanding a “big step-up” from his facet and is anticipating an “epic encounter” against Australia on Saturday as each groups attempt to bounce again after crushing defeats within the Rugby Championship.
The world champion Springboks are in search of consistency on the street after erratic type at dwelling against Wales and New Zealand noticed South Africa win three Tests and lose two.
They head into the conflict at Adelaide Oval on the again of a 35-23 dwelling defeat to the All Blacks just below two weeks in the past, having shocked New Zealand 26-10 of their Rugby Championship opener.
“We had a thorough review of our last match against New Zealand, and we have identified the areas of our game in which we need to improve,” mentioned Nienaber, whose facet are aiming to win on Australian soil for the primary time since 2013.
“We know we need to make a big step-up in the quality of our performance to start the tour on a positive note, and that is a big objective for us this weekend.
“The undeniable fact that this would be the first Test between the groups in Adelaide will function additional motivation for each groups this weekend, so we’re making ready for an additional epic encounter against them,” he added.
South Africa scrumhalf Faf de Klerk returns after missing the second All Blacks Test with concussion and wing Warrick Gelant replaces the injured Jesse Kriel in the only other change.
South Africa’s bench — popularly referred to as the ‘bomb squad’ due to its impact — has also been shuffled.
It features five forwards and three backs rather than the usual 6-2 split, with Jaden Hendrikse replacing Herschel Jantjies, and Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn providing further cover at the back with Willie le Roux and Jasper Wiese missing out.
‘THEY’LL BE GRUMPY’
Tactically, South Africa will almost certainly target Australia’s back three after Argentina profited off the Wallabies weak defence under the high ball.
To help counter the threat, Australia recalled the versatile Reece Hodge to start at fullback with Tom Wright shifting to the right wing and Marika Koroibete on his familiar left.
They also welcome back a host of players who were either injured or who missed the last Test for personal reasons, including experienced tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa and hooker Folau Fainga’a.
But the Wallabies are again without influential captain Michael Hooper who is on mental health leave, with 119-Test veteran James Slipper again assuming the leadership duties.
Australia won their last two Tests against South Africa, both in the 2021 Rugby Championship, which sent them on a five-game winning streak.
Coach Dave Rennie is keen for a repeat after their embarrassing 48-17 loss to Argentina, but admitted it will be a big task.
“They’re nearly at full power and so they’ll be grumpy after their second Test loss to the All Blacks,” he said.
“We’re effectively conscious of what is coming, primarily based on final 12 months’s couple of wins, that’ll solely create a bit extra of an edge for the Springboks.
“We’re going to have to be at our best, no doubt, and it’s a massive series for us.”
Following the Pumas defeat, Australia parted methods with defence coach Matt Taylor and drafted in ACT Brumbies forwards coach Laurie Fisher, a transfer Rennie hopes pays dividends within the battle of the large males.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will only benefit our playing group,” he mentioned.
Australia (15-1): Reece Hodge; Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete; Noah Lolesio, Nic White; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight; Jed Holloway, Matt Philip, Rory Arnold; Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper (capt)
Replacements: David Porecki, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou, Darcy Swain, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Andrew Kellaway
South Africa (15-1): Damian Willemse; Warrick Gelant, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi; Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn.