Australia’s tallest and smallest must rise highest at Subiaco Oval for the Wallabies to end their worst losing streak in four years and keep the Tri-Nations alive.
The Wallabies lineout and diminutive teenage fullback James O’Connor have the biggest assignments against a confident unbeaten Springbok outfit on Saturday night.
Those challenges have been made even more difficult by Perth’s inclement weather, which will suit the world champions’ highly-effective high kick-and-chase tactics.
More showers are forecast for the match, where 19-year-old O’Connor must leap high with surety to survive a bomb barrage on his Western Force home ground.
The Wallabies ($2.55 with bookmakers) have never been such big underdogs at home against the Springboks and a fourth straight loss will see them surrender the Mandela Plate as well as virtually hand South Africa the Tri-Nations crown.
Wallabies Mr Fix-It Adam Ashley-Cooper admitted the wet will aid the visitors but confidently backed his fullback successor and wingers Peter Hynes and Lachie Turner to deal with the big chasers who continually turned the ball over in the 29-17 Cape Town loss.
“Like they approach any Test, there will be a lot of kicking and I think the game will be won tomorrow night with our back three dominating that high ball and securing the pill,” said the new inside centre.
“(O’Connor) is a great little talent and he’s looking forward to the challenge, he’s got two great wingers alongside him that are going to help fight that battle.
“He’s in front of his home crowd and he’s very comfortable with it.”
South Africa are on guard for O’Connor’s X-factor after he was brilliant off the bench at Newlands.
“Under the high ball he’s been playing very well so we will have to be spot-on to put him under pressure otherwise he can hurt us,” said vice-captain Victor Matfield.
Matfield will again be the man who presents the biggest danger to the Australian forward pack after dismantling the Wallabies lineout three weeks ago.
Mark Chisholm has been rushed straight into the starting side for the injured Nathan Sharpe and will also call the set piece alongside fellow 2m-tall lock James Horwill.
Chisholm has indicated Australia will be much quicker in organising and executing their throws to cut down Matfield’s time to counter.
Enforcer Rocky Elsom is back at the front of the lineout in a major boost and he preached composure and confidence to ensure against another meltdown.
Matfield rated the Newlands display one of South Africa’s best-ever lineout performances and is ready for different tactics in Perth, where he made his second Test start against John Eales in a 14-all draw in 2001.
“I think we did really well against them at Newlands, probably the best we’ve ever done against an Australian lineout,” he said.
Elsom expects to make more impact than in his impressive return from injury despite nursing his problem ankle this week.
No one need tell him Australia hasn’t endured such a poor run since he was among Eddie Jones’ 2005 squad which lost eight of nine Tests.
“There’s always a lot of pressure, particularly in these matches because you are playing the best sides in the world over and over, so if you don’t perform you might lose but also it could get embarrassing too,” Elsom said.
Knives Out
Guest
'Was it enough to make those who say the Springbok backline is the worst of the tri-nations eat their words' Probably not based on one game, David. The team does deserve respect but let's not throw ourselves overboard just yet.
Derm
Roar Guru
Yes David, you're right. However, I suspect you're as surprised as everyone else, and maybe a little bit relieved they delivered. It's good to see at least one of the teams from the SH has a good chance of winning a match in the NH this autumn. On this match, it shows they have a good chance. Well done.
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
he is a tough bloke though, and he won't take crap.. He reacts. That's good
David
Guest
So, was that enough to prove to the sceptics that the Springboks don't only have one game? Was it enough to make those who say the Springbok backline is the worst of the tri-nations eat their words? Let's hope so. This team deserves some respect. They are playing excellent, intelligent rugby and have shown that they can win using a variety of different tactics.
Knives Out
Guest
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00N35jz54C3Rs/610x.jpg Yeah, Dunning's a real toughie. Just look at the way he is intimidating this goal post. Phwoaar... get a load of that brute.
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
I wonder if the WC is worth it. I'm startin to feel sorry they have one. Surely rugby standards needn't suffer simply to time it right for a WC
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
You may laugh. but Beale and Dunning are the best in their positions in the country in my opinion. Dunning won't take crap and beale can be brilliant Now here's something you can laugh at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-IU-NQ8c14
Dingbat
Guest
aus is enjoying the lowest of lows at exactly the right time, between world cups. gotta peak at the right time. doubtful boks will sustain current form to 2011. rocky and git played bloody well. i'm worried about smit. his scrumming needs to improve quickly. not even piling on the pounds seems able to anchor him. sub him at 60 mins. big vic can takeover. enough senior players around.
Knives Out
Guest
I am currently a useless gambler, but I'm guessing the bet was invalidated by the fact a certain person scored first. You know the sort of thing: 'Eddie McEddie scores first and your money back'. That's my guess.
Dean Pantio
Guest
Dunning. HAHAHAHA Beale. ROTFPMPL
Derm
Roar Guru
There's a limit on reply levels. You've to go up to previous level and use that one.
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
there was no "reply" button on your last post yes I remember the young ones as well.
Derm
Roar Guru
KO - you might enlighten me. My bookie decided to be nice and gave me my money back on my predictions of Giteau or Habana as first try scorer. The result was marked 'Push'. Haven't seen this before - any clues?
Derm
Roar Guru
Absolutely choice material, Alan - hadn't seen that clip before. Have to say, I'm old enough to remember Mayall in his first proper TV series, and still my favourite - The Young Ones - I still laugh out loud at some of the early 80's socialist/manic capitalist rhetoric with tree-hugging Neil loping around in the background, murmuring 'oh no, bummer, man, bummer.'
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
you're right it should http://www.cultv.co.uk/ns4.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bujibXCpeKo
Derm
Roar Guru
Well we always speak the Queen's English proper like. Which reminds me, should your blog name not be Alan B'stard MP? :)
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
C/mon ol fruit! This is the internet. Nothing is proper!
Derm
Roar Guru
Eh that would be Garryowen, old bean. Since we invented it, you should at least give it its proper noun title.
sheek
Guest
Creeping moss..... I reckon in another 5 years time, this current Wallabies team will develop into a good outfit.......... We're improving a millimetre each week. As long as we keep our rose tinted glasses on, everything will be fine.
Alan B'Stard M P
Guest
excuse me, pohale ol chap, we we have up & unders and garryowens. We don't "bomb" here ( grin )