Whichever way you turn, the Springboks should beat the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Just ask Jean de Villiers.
Last month, the Springboks great said Australian rugby better find a woman to lead because there’s not a man, including Joe Schmidt, who can turn the Wallabies around.
“I don’t see him changing it around,” he said. “Name one player in the Australian team that becomes a part of the conversation for a world team?”
This week he slightly changed his tune, but it was through gritted teeth.
“Joe Schmidt is the man to improve Australian rugby but will he get them back on track to where they were in those golden years? I don’t think so,” de Villiers told the Boks Office podcast.
“Because it’s not him. It’s the structure, it’s the whole organisation that I feel is not functioning.
“You throw away the (Western) Force and you get the (Melbourne) Rebels back in, and then you bring the Force back and now the Rebels have gone.”
Yet, two years ago the Wallabies did upset the Springboks in Adelaide as they produced their best performance under Dave Rennie to beat the world champions 25-17.
It came after the Wallabies finally got off to a quick start as they caught Jacques Nienaber’s men napping.
A week later the Springboks hit back with a vengeance.
Damian de Allende was on fire during the Springboks’ big win over the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Sydney. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Wallabies didn’t show up and their grand return to the Sydney Football Stadium fell flat.
This time the Springboks say they won’t make the same mistake like they did in 2022.
“We haven’t done too well against them in the past, especially in Australia,” star centre Damian de Allende said earlier in the week.
“Their last Test in Adelaide, they shocked us quite a bit.”
But if the Wallabies are to upset the back-to-back world champions, who must stand up and what are the key matchups?
Hunter Paisami vs Damian de Allende
If there was an image that summed up the Springboks’ barnstorming victory over the Wallabies in Sydney, it was the de Allende barging over from close range to score.
De Allende simply hit the Wallabies for six.
The 100 kilogram midfielder barged the front door down and the Wallabies didn’t have an answer.
Paisami was one of those players who came off second best.
The Wallabies midfielder was run over the top like Simba caught in the stampede.
He wasn’t alone.
The Wallabies need Hunter Paisami to make a statement and take the pressure off Noah Lolesio. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
If Paisami stands up, generally his team does.
The Reds play well when he dents the line and so too do the Wallabies.
He must fire a shot on Saturday.
If he doesn’t, Joe Schmidt will be back on the blower to Samu Kerevi.
Allan Alaalatoa vs Frans Malherbe
Malherbe might be the most understated forward in world rugby but he’s also one of the most effective.
The 33-year-old tight-head was somewhat overshadowed by the influence of Ox Nche during last year’s World Cup.
Malherbe won’t care. He just goes to work scrum after scrum.
Allan Alaalatoa speaks to the media after a Wallabies captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Brisbane. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Although he won’t pack down against Allan Alaalatoa, the Wallabies tight-head must win the scrum battle and put the pressure on Nche for the home side to stand a chance.
Twelve months ago the Wallabies got decked across the park in Pretoria, including at the scrum. It can’t happen in Brisbane if the Wallabies want to start the tournament on a high.
Josh Nasser vs Malcolm Marx
One is an international rookie, the other is a double World Cup winner, but the influence of the replacement hookers will be crucial in the overall context of the game.
The Springboks’ “bomb squad” isn’t near the powerful weapon it is. While the Wallabies are missing Taniela Tupou (and several other overseas players), Rassie Erasmus’ side are missing a host of big names from Steven Kitshoff to Lood de Jager.
But one area they have some serious firepower in is at hooker, with Malcolm Marx to come off the bench.
Marx is like David Pocock on the floor but is also a scrummaging weapon.
Although his throw is shaky at times, the Springboks will try turn the screws on the Wallabies in the second-half.
Malcolm Marx will come off the bench for the Springboks. (Jono Searle/Getty Images)
The Wallabies must go with him.
Josh Nasser won’t be intimidated by Marx, but he’s got his work cut out for him.
If the Wallabies can curtail his influence, it will go a long way in keeping the Springboks at bay.
Tom Wright vs Willie le Roux
Two similar players, Tom Wright and Willie le Roux are ball-players at the back that have always divided debate because of their hot and cold nature.
Le Roux wouldn’t make too many world XVs but his ability to ball play gives the Springboks an edge. It always has.
The Springboks fullback is the most underrated fullback in world rugby.
The Wallabies have a player similarly maligned.
Wright isn’t the safest under the high ball and his decision-making isn’t always sound, but he provides a threat no other fullback offers in Australian rugby.
Willie le Roux in action against England during the 2023 World Cup. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Given Noah Lolesio doesn’t have the pace Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie provide, Wright’s turn of pace and ability to take the ball to the line provides the Wallabies an attacking threat.
But at this stage of his career, it’s a risk and reward battle for the Wallabies No.15.
Decision-making will be vital in front of 52,000 at Suncorp Stadium.
Noah Lolesio vs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
While the Springboks have Handre Pollard to bring off the bench, Erasmus has opted to start one of the rising stars of South African rugby.
The 22-year-old Feinberg-Mngomezulu can play.
He’s been included ahead of Manie Libbok in recent months. Remember Libbok, who carved the Wallabies up last year?
The Stormers young gun comes with a fine reputation but few playmakers dominate without a forward pack that goes forward.
Sound familiar? That’s where the Wallabies must roll their sleeves up.
Unless they don’t, it won’t matter who wears the No.10 jersey and the search for the long-term answer in the role will continue.
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