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Cape Town no 'happy hunting' ground: McKenzie

19th September, 2014
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19th September, 2014
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Australian coach Ewen McKenzie says the Wallabies have “one hand” on the Mandela Challenge Plate as they gear up for a Cape Town clash against the Springboks – but admits the passionate home crowds could snatch the silverware away.

Australia edged out the Springboks 24-23 in their first clash of 2014 earlier this month in Perth.

“There’s no question – South Africa is hard to play in South Africa,” McKenzie said on Friday.

“Cape Town hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us for a while.”

McKenzie will take an injury-hit 28-man squad to compete in the remaining Rugby Championships Tests against the Springboks on September 27 and Argentina in Mendoza on October 4.

Despite the injury setbacks, he said the squad announced on Wednesday had a good chance at walking away from Newlands with something new for the trophy cabinet.

“We’ve got one hand on the Mandela Plate,” he said.

“But we only play against teams pretty much in the top 10.

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“On any given day, you’re going to have close games. You don’t get easy games.”

McKenzie has opted for 16 forwards and 12 backs for the tour, calling up veteran prop Benn Robinson and halfback Will Genia.

Meanwhile, rising cult star Will Skelton has been omitted.

McKenzie said he stood by the decision to leave the giant lock out of the squad, allowing Skelton to get more match time playing in the NRC ahead of the spring tour of Europe.

But McKenzie said Robinson had shown good form in recent months and fully deserved his recall.

“Adding experienced players in the front row is probably a good thing when you’re on the road,” said McKenzie.

The All Blacks have a stranglehold on the Rugby Championship, leading the standings with 16 points after four rounds, ahead of South Africa and Australia on 10 apiece and winless Argentina on three.

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