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The Wallabies failed to achieve a drought-breaking win at Loftus Versfeld in the early hours of Sunday morning, falling short by eight points against the Springboks.
All the wash-up from Springboks vs Wallabies:
» LORD: Steyn’s boot sinks wasteful Wallabies
» Match report: Wallabies fall short
» Five talking points
» McMahon injures ankle
» What changes should the Wallabies make for Argentina?
» DIY player ratings
» Watch highlights from the match
Final score
Springboks 18
Wallabies 10
This early Sunday morning game sees the Wallabies travelling to Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa to play the Springboks. Join The Roar from 1:05am (AEST) for all the live action of this first Rugby Championship fifth round match.
The Wallabies have somewhat begun to resurrect a disappointing 2016 with two wins on the trot heading into this match, and that includes a victory over the Springboks in Brisbane three weeks ago.
South Africa is on a reverse trend, losing all three of their recent away fixtures and will be looking to reverse this trend back on home soil.
The Wallabies have named a predictable line-up, only the one enforced change to the starting side with Sean McMahon replacing David Pocock.
The Springboks have rung the changes this week in direct contrast, particularly in the backs. A welcome return to the squad, Patrick Lambie will start at fullback with Johaan Goosen dropping out of the 23, while in the halves Morne Steyn and Rudy Paige take over for Elton Jantjes and Faf de Klerk, also dropped from the 23 altogether.
The other notable change sees Lood De Jager return from injury to the bench as lock cover while Willie le Roux celebrates a return to the national squad with a spot on the pine.
The Springboks have named a 6/2 bench for this match, suggesting a torrid forward-orientated approach at altitude.
The Wallabies will look to play with width and continue on with the improvements made over the course of the championship, particularly at set piece which still appeals as a likely area for the Springboks to target.
It looks with the Springboks, given the selection of Steyn at first five, will play for territory and try and pressure Australia’s forwards at their end of the park.
Some key match-ups to watch this morning will be Adam Coleman, the young rising star of the Wallaby tight five up against one of the World’s best in Eben Eztebeth, the Springbok mainstay. A real test for Coleman today away from home in a hostile environment.
Quade Cooper up against Steyn will be another key matchup with their respective performances likely to heavily influence the match result and two very different style of players to boot while Will Genia, who has been in outstanding form this season, will be looking to dominate his inexperienced opposite Rudy Paige at halfback.
Tip – Wallabies by 6.
Despite Australia’s poor overall record at this particular venue and at altitude I feel this side contains more experience and has a more settled look about them than their South African counterparts.
Join The Roar from 1:05am (AEST) for all the live action.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.