Australia pulled off an impressed 25-17 win over South Africa on Saturday, now the question is can they back it up by beating the Springboks again in Sydney this weekend?
Before the win over the world champions in Adelaide, Australia had beaten both England and Argentina this year, only to lose the very next game.
England fought back to win the series 2-1, while Argentina inflicted a record defeat on the Wallabies just a week after Dave Rennie’s side had won the opening Rugby Championship clash between the two sides.
Australia bounced back with an impressive win over South Africa but much of the hard work will be undone if they cannot back it up this weekend.
The Springboks will be keen to bounce back and are sure to come out firing in Sydney so it will be a real test for the Wallabies as they attempt to find some consistency in their game.
It is a big game for both sides so let’s take a closer look at both camps with kick-off at the new Allianz Stadium fast approaching.
What: Australia v South Africa
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
When: 19:35 (AEST) Saturday 3rd September 2022
How to watch: Stan Sport
Odds: Australia 41/50, South Africa 1/1
Consistency is the key
The Wallabies have shown so far this year they can beat anyone in a one-off game, now the key is doing it on a consistent basis.
If they are to be a great side that goes on to challenge for the 2023 World Cup they simply have to string a succession of good results together.
Rennie and his players are well aware of that and they have been working hard in training to ensure they are fully prepared for round two against the Springboks.
“Our preparation has been built around consistency (this week) because it’s something we haven’t done this year is put together two back-to-back performances,” backrower Jed Holloway told reporters ahead of the game this weekend.
“It’s purely been around being better and ready for them to be better as well.”
Fullback Reece Lodge also admitted the Wallabies have had an issue with backing-up down the years, but says the players are fired up to put that right in front of a sold out Allianz Stadium on Saturday. So motivation will not be an issue.
Treatment room starts to clear
The Wallabies have been dogged by injury throughout 2022 with some key players missing from the side, but at last the squad is looking stronger.
Hunter Paisami missed out against Argentina but returned to play a key role in the win over South Africa and will be crucial again this weekend.
Noah Lolesio has also made a big impact on his return to the side. Coach Rennie will also be boosted by the availability of Angus Bell for the clash in Sydney as he has recovered from the toe injury that has kept him out.
There is also good news concerning Len Ikitau who has not suffered any serious damage to his shoulder following the game last week and will be available to take his place in the side.
The Wallabies will be without Quade Cooper who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, while there is no sign of skipper Michael Hooper being ready to make his return.
Fraser McReight will continue to wear the No.7 jersey in Hooper’s absence but will be more than happy to hand it back when he is ready to return.
"He's been wearing that jersey for decades, so obviously it was a big honour and I want to do him proud and do the jersey proud so I thought I did that," McReight said.
"He texted me after the game and brought up the two tries I got so he's probably sitting at home wishing he had scored those. I miss him and I want to keep learning off him as he's one of the greats, so hopefully he comes back soon."
Springboks make a host of changes
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber has reacted to the defeat in Adelaide by making eight changes to his side for the re-match at Allianz Stadium.
Admittedly some of the changes have been forced on him due to injuries. Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am and Pieter-Steph du Toit all have knee injuries, while Elton Jantjies has injured his hand and misses out.
19-year-old Canan Moodie will make his Test debut after being named on the right wing, while Franco Mostert has been included in the back row. Jaden Hendrikse will start in place of Faf de Klerk.
Elsewhere prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Malcolm Marx will start as part of a new-look front row, while Jasper Wiese will replace Duane Vermeulen at No.8.
