South African rugby has put a lid on simmering racial tensions but the Wallabies are incensed by on-field dramas as they chase a monumental Test victory at Newlands.
Australia start as rank underdogs as they aim to break a 22-year Cape Town drought early Sunday morning (AEST) and go into the clash fed up with Springbok bleating.
Coach Ewen McKenzie, looking for the biggest win of his 14-month reign, and lineout general Rob Simmons both took aim at the local team and media who have blamed their 24-23 loss in Perth on poor refereeing and Australian trickery.
The Wallabies did have a slice of good fortune at Paterson Stadium, with Bryan Habana sin-binned late for a marginal high tackle, but suggestions his side gained a leg-up didn’t wash with McKenzie.
He also reacted angrily to claims the Wallabies kept the big Boks pack in check through marginal set-piece tactics.
McKenzie has shown his concern for the scrum pressure coming the tourists’ way by surprisingly recalling the more experienced Saia Fainga’a at hooker over James Hanson, while also putting veteran prop Benn Robinson on his bench.
But it’s the lineout – and specifically the Springboks’ notorious driving maul – which has both sides on edge and thrown Welsh referee Nigel Owens squarely into the spotlight.
In Perth, the Wallabies successfully stopped the traditional Boks weapon by not competing at the lineout but centralising their defence to sack the maul – much to the frustration of veteran lock Victor Matfield, who complained during and after the match.
“That’s just his way of dealing with things,” second-rower Simmons told AAP. “I’m sure there will be something this weekend that isn’t right as well.
“It did annoy them, and it’s still annoying them, they’re still carrying on about it.
“But you have to. If you don’t get that area of the game right, especially the mauls, they’ll be running over the top of you all night.”
McKenzie feared the attention the maul had been given could result in an unfair backlash.
“There’s a fair bit of talk because the referee is in town and people want to create innuendo but we defended it legitimately,” he said.
“If you get an opportunity to sack a maul you sack it; that’s what you do. We did it.”
There’s been less talk in the South African rugby press about the controversial selection of rising black flanker Oupa Mohoje ahead of 71-Test Cape Town crowd favourite Schalk Burger.
Springbok officials are extremely sensitive about the debate and coach Heyneke Meyer, under pressure to select more coloured players, has stressed Mohoje has won his spurs on merit.
Meyer’s decision to leave Burger on the bench, along with fellow stalwarts Bismarck du Plessis and Bakkies Botha, also has Australia wary about a fierce second-half onslaught that will whip Newlands into a frenzy.
Starting fetcher Marcell Coetzee, who grew up idolising the 2004 IRB player of the year and called himself Burger’s “evil twin”, predicted the local hero would provide a major lift.
“You will definitely here a lot of noise when he comes on,” Coetzee said.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
redder than kevin, all I asked was how you you adjudicate a 'superior coach' .... if it not based on the record of the coach whats left?..... Oh I get it,..... it must be a popularity contest between the former and current coach. And for you to post... "We are making ground on the All blacks and regularly spanking the Boks. Two things our previous coach could not do" ... really? ....... Are you aware that 'the previous coach', coached a team that actually beat the All Blacks, something that the current coach has not achieved yet?.... remember McKenzie told Wallaby fans, he knew how to beat the All Blacks... if so he sure is keeping it a secret. Are you aware that the 'previous coach' had a better win/loss ratio against the Boks, something never achieved before yet the current coach has won one game out of 4 against the Boks (regularly spanking the Boks is not one win in four) ... Are you aware that now the drums are beating with messages to Ewen McKenzie and I'd suggest most are not complementary. The criticism of selections, game plans, use of the bench etc is gathering momentum and all this, according to you is that "McKenzie is a superior coach"... what's changed and to suggest McKenzie "has us heading in the right direction" .. which direction might that be? ... once one reaches the edge, its a long drop.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
No worries etienne marais you are welcome.
Bazza Allblack Supporter
Roar Rookie
Ha!
etienne marais
Guest
RT, you have insight. Not only into the game itself, but also the broader environment that makes it possible. I hope that others will also start thinking a little further than their noses' end. Thank You.
redder than kevin
Guest
I don't understand people like you guys. We bayed on here for a coach to replace deans, and Ewan was the man most of us wanted. He has us heading in the right direction.
Wardad
Guest
Stink bait ?
Buzzard
Guest
Boks by 20. Go the Hawks!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
redder than kevin .... so what is you 'pass mark' for McKenzie...... games won? against various teams?... overall record? And "superior coach Ewan" ... interesting ... that 'statement' is based on what? ... it cannot be on Super 15 titles, or international test record can it ...
GeoffBrisbane
Guest
Is it the same confidence that went to Eden Park:-
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Yep, some people don't have a clue.
44bottles
Roar Guru
The bait has been set. Now begins the wait.
All Bent Out of Shape.
Guest
If you cant acknowledge what you are saying is factually false then you are just tr0lling. Youve said that Ewen is the man but failed to acknowledge that his record is so far worse against SA, NZ and as a whole is worse than the previous coach. Deans won most of his games against the Boks, under Ewen theyve set new records for losing against the Boks in Aus. I dont understand what you get from doing what you are doing. Are you just trying to provoke response?
redder than kevin
Guest
If you will excuse my phrase but Ewan was the missing link in Australian rugby. All the pieces where there but our previous coach could not put them together. We have the cattle but not the planner/leader. Ewan is doing that now and you can see a huge difference between the fortunes under our previous coach had and the fortunes under a superior coach Ewan.
The layabout
Guest
Imagine NOT picking players because of their skin colour. Imagine needing a passport in your own country. And the only person who is really wants this to be a big story is Jim Morton
Dave
Guest
Seems reality is beyond you as well!
Your previous coach had a great record against SA.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Redder than Kevin you are in fantasy land and will be broken from your dream in about 14 hours. It will be a miracle or Links brillance to win this one. Im expecting at least 25 points and would not be surprised if it is 50
redder than kevin
Guest
Ewan is the man to get this win. When we got rid of our last coach it was the end of the Australian rugby dark ages. Now Ewan is in charge everything is different and we are on a winning roll. We are making ground on the All blacks and regularly spanking the Boks. Two things our previous coach could not do. How we are underdogs is beyond me
Gary
Guest
I presume the fear you smell is all in the Saffas nostrils as everything is in their favour, fanatical home crowd support ( something we never enjoy here in Oz) , the payback factor, a general acceptance that this is an average Wallabies team, our weak forwards that your big 'tough' men are going to smash, favouritism from the Ref etc etc.... An S.A loss is unthinkable yet palpable heh ?? The Wallabies can't possibly win , yes I smell the fear too.
fredstone
Guest
I smell fear