The Wallabies are preparing for world champions South Africa to be at their best this Sunday in Perth despite Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus’ admission that his team are likely to be “a little bit punch-drunk” after a gruelling four Test series against New Zealand.
Wallabies forwards coach Tom Donnelly understands that while the Springboks may rotate players, their tactics should remain consistent: seeking to dominate an opposition forward pack physically.
“We know the scrum’s going to be a big part of the game, we know they’re going to maul,” Donnelly said.
“No matter who they pick, they’ve got probably two or three packs that are very, very class.
“It’s all just a matter of focusing on ourselves, we know what we need to do to front up and go out there with a bit of an attacking mindset against them … we know what’s coming.
“If we can front up there physically and then be accurate with how we want to execute, then that will give us a chance to match up with them.”
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has faced South Africa nine times, winning five Tests. Having experienced the pleasure and pain of playing the world champions, Tupou understands he cannot shoulder the responsibility of winning the physical battles alone.
“It’s not just me, it’s us as a group, as a forward pack. Obviously, I can’t go out there and do it on my own, so I rely on everybody to do their job and myself to do my job. It’s a bit different coming against the Springboks,” Tupou said.
“Ox [Springboks loosehead prop Ox Nche] is such a good scrummager, they’re so strong, so if it’s me or Allan [Alaalatoa] or Zane [Nonggorr] whoever’s at tighthead prop, they have to be at their best because if you don’t, you know what’s going to happen.”
On Friday, Erasmus confirmed his players were tired and plans had been made to ensure they could deploy as fresh a team as possible in Perth.
“Anybody who plays four games against New Zealand will be a little bit punch-drunk at the end,” he said. “That’s why prior to the New Zealand series we had the Nations Championship games, we really rotated a lot. And in the Argentinian game we had to gamble a little bit, keeping players behind and we almost lost that match.”
If selected on Sunday, Tupou, who plays for French domestic club Racing 92, will play his last game for the Wallabies until the spring tour in November, due to October’s Bledisloe Cup Tests falling outside World Rugby’s regulation 9, which covers the mandatory release of players by clubs for Test rugby.
Tupou said he hasn’t brought up playing for the Wallabies in November against England, Scotland and Wales, but is hopeful of being available if selected.
“As you get a bit older you realise that one of these camps will be your last, it does mean a little bit more to me [to represent the Wallabies],” Tupou said.
“I’m just enjoying it and I haven’t spoken to Les [Kiss] about what the future looks like.
“I’m hoping this is not the last time, hopefully I’ll see the team in the UK.”
Brumbies back rower Charlie Cale has been replaced in the Wallabies squad by the Force’s Nick Champion de Crespigny after his shoulder partially dislocated in training in Perth.
Donnelly is confident Cale can make a full recovery and return to Super Rugby next season.
“He’s still a young man, he’s still got a massive future ahead of him,” Donnelly said.
“A little bit of a silver lining is if it needs to be repaired [Cale’s shoulder], it can get fixed and he can hit the ground running the Super Rugby next year and give himself a great run in to being available for the World Cup.”
South Africa are due to name their team on Wednesday at 6.30pm [AEST] with breakaway Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende both being rested after playing all four Tests against New Zealand.
More to come
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