The Wallabies stunned the Springboks at the Subiaco Oval but will be hard pressed to repeat at Newlands Stadium, where they haven’t won since 1992. Both sides are nearly the same as they were three weeks ago, with a smattering of injury enforced changes and a couple tactical swaps. With no real changes in form this should be another close match, but South Africa always seem to lift themselves on home soil.
Handre Pollard continues in the no10 jersey following his impressive performance against the All Blacks, and will be partnered by Francois Hougaard, who steps in to replace Ruen Pienaar, felled with a knee injury. Uncapped Cobus Reinach – son of the late Jaco Reinach, a speedy winger capped four times for South Africa in 1986 – fills the vacant spot on the bench and looks set to make his debut. Another changes see J.P. Pietersen recalled on the bench in place of Damian de Allende, and Bakkies Botha taking over from Lood de Jager.
Intrigue comes with the selection of Teboho ‘Oupa’ Mohoje on the flank, making his first test start in place of injured Francois Louw. The big Cheetahs blindside won a reserve cap against Scotland in June, but is still a bit of an unknown quantity at this level having only a handful of Super Rugby starts to his name. Some have questioned his selection ahead of Warren Whiteley or recalled veteran Schalk Burger – who mans the bench – and while certainly the latter’s experience and physicality would have been welcomed, Mohoje has been with the squad for some time now and deserves his opportunity.
Australia have lost Tatafu Polota-Nau to injury yet again, but instead of starting James Hanson, Ewen McKenzie has opted for the abrasive Saia Fainga’a in the starting hooker spot. This seems a bit tough on Hanson, who performed capably for 80 minutes in Perth and has been preferred to Fainga’a at Queensland. Alongside Hanson on the bench will be former first choice loosehead Benn Robinson, whose form has dipped markedly in recent times but somehow finds his way back in the squad at the expense of Pek Cowan.
Both winger spots are changed, with Adam Ashley-Cooper and Joe Tomane both fit for duty. Peter Betham and Rob Horne, who moves to the bench, make way. Tomane brings some genuine firepower out wide, something that has been missed since Nick Cummins left for Japan. His one-on-one battle with in-form Cornal Hendricks will be fun to watch.
With conditions expected to be near optimal, this should be a cracking match. The Springboks gave the All Blacks a real go and look much more complete with Pollard at the helm. Expect Victor Matfield to target the inconsistent throwing of Fainga’a, and the Beast to have a real go at Sekope Kepu in the scrum. Australia have the edge in attacking ability, but the South African defense is as tough as it gets. Take the home side to win redemption with a 3 point victory.
SOUTH AFRICA vs AUSTRALIA
Saturday, September 27, 15:05 GMT, Cape Town
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistants: Wayne Barnes (RFU) & Mathieu Raynal (FFR)
TMO: Graham Hughes (RFU)
