Coach Ewen McKenzie says the Wallabies have “one hand” on the Mandela Challenge Plate but fears the passionate Cape Town crowd could help the Springboks snatch the silverware.
Australia edged out the Springboks 24-23 in their first clash of 2014 earlier this month in Perth.
But they haven’t defeated the Springboks at Newlands since 1992.
“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.”
As his injury-hit 28-man squad prepares to fly out on Monday for its two-match Tour of South Africa and Argentina, McKenzie knows he’s got a tough assignment set for the September 27 clash at Newlands.
So why do the Wallabies find it so hard to beat the ‘Boks on their home turf?
“It’s not an easy question to answer,” McKenzie said.
“Each campaign goes there in different circumstances (but) they’re just a hard team to play.”
“It’s a major sport for them – if not the number one sport for them. It’s tough.”
The long flight and altitude adjustment could also hamper the team’s chances, he added.
The squad announced on Wednesday has a fighting chance of walking away from Newlands victorious and planned to do the heavy work needed on home soil before flying out on Monday.
“We’ve got one hand on the Mandela Plate,” McKenzie said.
“(But) they’ll be smarting a bit over us getting one over them in Perth.”
Following the Test against the Springboks, the Wallabies will face Argentina in Mendoza on October 4.
McKenzie has opted for 16 forwards and 12 backs for the tour, calling up veteran prop Benn Robinson and halfback Will Genia.
In addition to the chance to claim some silverware, confident wins from the Wallabies at the remaining Rugby Championships Tests would go a long way to silencing the sceptics ahead of next year’s World Cup.
McKenzie is adamant the team is “tracking in the right direction” one year out, but admits there is scope for improvement.
He said Australia would have a “very healthy” side once the dozen or so injured players are reunited with the young talent given experience in their absence.
Four rounds in, the All Blacks have a stranglehold on the Rugby Championship, leading the standings with 16 points ahead of South Africa and Australia on 10 apiece and winless Argentina on three.
Peter
Guest
Hang on Loosey maaaaate...The DARKNESS really only choke in RUGBY WORLD CUPS held on foreign soil, 1991 1995 1999 2003, 2007.. So going on that , i predict a swift exit quarters next year..
Loosey
Guest
Are you saying they have self-belief are are never satisfied with their performance? I'd agree with the latter but they choke too much to say their self-belief is superior to other teams
Rob G
Guest
Thats Ewen's style. All talk!! Just like he's the one who knows how to beat the All Blacks.
Paul from melbourne
Guest
Better tell Ewen to put the trophy back coz the boks will want it after the game. At the best of time, Wobblies dont travel well. But this time, boks will be all fires up. They simply wouldn't tolerate a loss to the ozzies
SteveP
Guest
Both hands Gator, and I don't mean on the Cup.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
So Wallabies have 'one hand on the Mendala Challenge Plate... Err do they realise that the Bok also have their mitt on it? As the incumbent, they need to win one of two matches in the home and away matches to retain the trophy... If Wallabies have one hand on the trophy then I'd suggest it would be a very slippery grip ... I think that puts the match next week in perspective .. its "winner takes all" (all that is offer of course)
Buzzard
Guest
If the Wallabies win against the Boks I'll eat a Poo. So no poo eating for me. Boks by 20+
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
To re-phrase my old Welsh mate: let's hope it's not one hand on the Mandela Cup, the other on the willy.
Dru
Guest
"seriously effected the team's confidence"? Source?
alex
Roar Pro
if the wallabies win in SA ill buy a shirt lol, i think my money is safe
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Exactly - not so much "one hand on the" as "one pinkie"
Worlds Biggest
Guest
The Wallas have an abysmal away record in NZ and South Africa, not withstanding they're playing two formidable teams I just don't feel they believe they can win over there. On current form you would have to say the Wallabies are little chance, far too many errors and ill discipline in there game. The Boks should be too strong.
Firstxv
Guest
Sorry, can't see anything but a Bok win in SA. Boks will be fuming they let the last one go and are at home where redemption comes that much more easily. Plus I think we are seeing an emergence in Pollard who has every chance to nail the 10 job and a huge career for the next few years. That is the biggest interest in this match for me.
JohnB
Guest
You've missed the context of his answer - he was talking about why Aust has trouble winning in SA in general, not about why it will be hard to win at Newlands.
Old Bugger
Guest
Haha that's funny but nonetheless, spot on mate....
Firstxv
Guest
perhaps he meant altitude while on the long flight...:-)
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
I do believe the article is factually correct, Newlands is 2.36 metres above sea level!!!! :-) Honestly though, you have to wonder.
krasnoff of noosa
Guest
“One hand on the cup”. Is that thinking half empty or half full? McKenzie seriously effected the team’s confidence in him as a coach when he failed to pull Beale out of the five-eigth slot after half time in Bled one. That has caused ructions in the side. McKenzie has to learn to think on his feet or the Wallabies will have no hope against the Boks in SA.
Buzzard
Guest
@Ben......It took the ABs nearly 100 years to win a series in Sth Africa remember. The difference with the ABs and everyone else is self belief. Other nations doubt themselves too much, even the Boks who have an aura of arrogance are doubting themselves. The ABs just believe they can win anywhere, they trust their abilities, coaching staff and are full of pride. Even after pounding the Wallabies 51-20 in Bledisloe 2 the ABs said they still made too many errors late in the game. The ABs are never satisfied. A good attitude I reckon, but as an AB fan I wouldn't expect anything less.
Buzzard
Guest
Altitude in Capetown? Maybe it should be attitude?