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Lachie Turner of Australia scores a try during the Australia v Italy Rugby Union game at the Ethiad Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, June 20th, 2009. Australia won the game 34-12. (AAP Image/Martin Philbey)
In light of recent performances, the Wallabies’ chances of victory this weekend seem remote at best. The Springbok side that will run out onto Suncorp Stadium this Saturday night is in a different league to the one that had 49 unanswered points put on them three years ago.
After being comprehensively outplayed in Perth, this week has seen a number of changes to a Wallabies side that is clearly down on confidence and in desperate need of some sort of spark.
A large majority of the Australian rugby public are hoping, rather optimistically, that Will Genia can provide this.
In his limited game time, Genia has showed composure well beyond his years.
At just 21 years old and with only one season of Super 14 rugby behind him, Genia will complete his meteoric rise to the Wallabies starting side when he runs on to his home ground this weekend.
Genia has impressed all who have seen his play through precise and sharp service as well as a positive intent to make things happen on the field.
With Luke Burgess having failed to cement the starting role over the last eighteen months, this weekend could very well be the beginning of a long Wallabies career for the Queensland halfback.
The return of Berrick Barnes is also a huge positive for the Wallabies as he will undoubtedly sure up the midfield defence, which was emphatically exposed by the Boks in Perth.
Robbie Deans has also given an indication that Barnes will spend time during the match at first receiver, particularly on attack.
This will please many pundits who have been calling for Giteau to be moved out one in the backline, especially after the success Australia had when Quade Cooper took the field in Perth.
The changes in the forwards could perhaps point to a change in approach from the Wallabies.
Tatafu Polota-Nau is a more explosive type of player than Stephen Moore and his strong open-field play is complimented well by his powerful scrimmaging. The only question mark remains over his lineout throwing which is sure to be given a thorough examination by Victor Matfield and company.
A question mark also exists regarding George Smith at No. 8 but you would have to think he will put in a better performance than Richard Brown contributed last week.
The added enthusiasm provided by David Pocock should also help Smith in the battle at the breakdown as well as injecting the Wallabies with added energy.
On paper this side seems to have a lot more going for it than last week, however this will count for nothing if the Wallabies are not mentally prepared.
It was clear at the start of last week that the players were anxious and down on confidence. It wasn’t until they had nothing to lose that they really started to play.
If they are to have any chance against this extremely confident and talented Springbok side then the Wallabies are going to have to turn up for the full 80 minutes and take the game to the Boks.
It is paramount for the Wallabies to utilise the enthusiasm that the new members to the side will provide.
If they are able to start the match with a positive intent, then we may just see an unlikely victory.
However, if the enthusiasm and error rate is anything like what it was in Perth, the players’ confidence will be all but shattered and a reversal of the 2006 score line is much a possibility.
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.