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Good evening and welcome to tonight’s live scores and blog of the Wallabies hosting the Springboks live from Patersons Stadium in Perth with kickoff from 8.05pm AEST.
This match represents a ‘do or die’ affair for both teams at this stage of the tournament.
South Africa currently lead the Championship but a loss tonight would most likely see them fall behind the All Blacks and having the challenging assignment of then having to win in New Zealand the following week to keep their Championship hopes alive.
A loss for Australia would essentially end any remaining hopes they may harbour towards challenging for the Championship.
The Springboks have been scratchy in their first up games, struggling for continuity and combinations so far in the Championship and Heneke Meyer has selected two of his most experienced heads in Victor Matfield and Morne Steyn to steady the ship in Perth. These selections would suggest the Springboks will be looking to play a structured and methodical game plan which has worked so well for them in recent memory.
However, in order for this to work the forwards will need to dominate the contact areas and this has been where the Springboks have been found wanting at times in recent matches however this cannot be said of their number eight Duane Vermuelen who has been tireless in his work for the Springboks particularly in defence and shapes up as a key man for the Springboks tonight.
The Wallabies suffered a demoralising loss at Eden Park two weeks ago and have had over two weeks to dwell on the matter. Coach Ewen McKenzie has surprised many by naming an unchanged starting forward pack to face the Springboks tonight in a showing of faith that Eden Park was an aberration however he has looked for different options from his bench, opting for six forwards including recalling both James Horwill and Matt Hodgson along with Scott Higginbotham to possibly add some vigour to the forward effort if required with Will Skelton dropping out of the twenty three altogether.
Changes however have been made to his backline with Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps being asked to start in place of Nic White and Kurtley Beale who both ride the pine this week which has seen popular agreement among fans and a hope this may prove a real difference for the Wallabies after lacklustre performances from the originally selected pair.
Other changes see Adam Ashley Cooper pushed out to wing in place of the retired Pat McCabe and Tevita Kuridrani reinstated at centre in a reshuffled backline that overall looks more balanced than in the first two Bledisloes.
This game, as indeed most are will be decided up front and how both teams fare will be of great interest to both Springbok and Wallaby fans who are expecting more from their respective teams after less than satisfactory performances so far this tournament.
An exciting encounter is in promise tonight and another chapter in this hard fought rivalry for the Mandela Challenge Plate and Championship points will be written tonight.
Join us here on the Roar for live updates from 8.05pm AEST and don’t forget to have your say on the action as it unfolds!
Tip: Wallabies by 6
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.