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Eddie Jones is heading back to where his international coaching career began in 2001: Pretoria, South Africa.
He will hope his return to the venue 22 years later brings with it a change in fortune.
While the John Eales-captained Wallabies went on to claim the Tri-Nations, the Wallabies lost their opening clash against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld 20-15 in front of 50,000.
On that Saturday in late July, the Wallabies trailed 14-0 at half-time before making a comeback via the boot of fullback Matt Burke.
Losing the territory battle proved to be a killer for the Wallabies, as the Springboks punished the then-world champions for failing to play at the right end of the field.
Eddie Jones is going back to where his international coaching career began. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Jones said on Friday the key to success in South Africa was playing at the right end of the field.
“Well, firstly, you’ve got to think you can win,” he told reporters at Sydney International Airport.
“The most important thing is to have the mindset to win. You’ve got to be thinking that and we’re 100 per cent committed to winning.
“And then you’ve got to execute a game plan where you can win enough possession, you can push them to the other end of the field and keep them under pressure.
Asked if that required a strong kicking game, Jones said it didn’t matter how, only that you played territory.
“Well, anyway you can, mate, just get up the other end of the field,” he said.
“Whether you run, pass, kick, it doesn’t matter which way you get up there, as long as you get up their end of the field. Because the one thing I know, it’s very hard to score from behind your tryline.”
The Wallabies’ kicking game will be vital against the Springboks on the Highveld. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The Wallabies, as it so happened in 2001, didn’t score a try during their five-point defeat. The Springboks scored one. It proved to be the difference between the two nations.
With the Wallabies to touch down in Johannesburg on Saturday, here’s my Wallabies team to beat the Springboks.
Christy Doran’s team to take on the Springboks
Front-row: James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa
While five props were named in the initial 34 to travel to South Africa, Angus Bell was on the plane on Friday.
But given Bell is on the comeback from another toe injury and hasn’t played since the opening week of Super Rugby in February, Slipper is set to start at loosehead prop.
It remains a risk for Bell to line up against the Boks. After all, Jones described their 2023 campaign as a “marathon” not a sprint. But he also said it was important to get out of the gates quickly.
Then again, he wouldn’t be on the plane if Jones thought he was no chance of playing. If he’s fit, he’s in.
At hooker, Porecki’s core skills and experience in a hostile environment should see him start.
Who his deputy is remains to be seen. Jordan Uelese’s broad shoulders has intrigued Jones, but Matt Faessler was Australia’s most consistent player and his throw regularly hit the mark – something that can’t be said about the Rebels rake.
Props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are on the plane to South Africa. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Alaalatoa is back from a calf issue and should start at tighthead prop, where Jones has another selection conundrum. Tupou is making his way back from injury and it would be a huge risk to play him off the bench.
But what’s the alternative? Zane Nonggorr is an emerging player, but is he ready to pack down against the Boks?
If Tupou is fit, he joins Bell as a replacement.
Second-row: Richie Arnold, Will Skelton
An Arnold-Skelton partnership has a feel about it.
Whether they get through the 80 is highly doubtful. While both are fit following a huge Top 14 season, playing at altitude is another thing altogether.
Nick Frost offers cover off the bench and likely replaces Skelton to provide another jumping option.
Will Skelton and Richie Arnold are in the frame to take on the Springboks. (Photo by Julius Dimataga/RugbyAU Media.
Back-row: Jed Holloway, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini
The most open and hardest positional group to pick from.
Jed Holloway’s lineout prowess and experience gets him the nod over the rising Tom Hooper and Josh Kemeny.
McReight remains the best on-ball option in Australia and deserves a chance in the No.7 jersey, while Michael Hooper offers experience and leadership from the bench.
Rob Valetini is one of the first picked.
Halves: Nic White, Quade Cooper
The Springboks will go hard at the breakdown and try to squeeze the Wallabies. As such, the experience and tempo offered by White and Cooper seems a logical choice to start.
Kicking will still be a crucial factors and Ryan Lonergan’s core skills, goal-kicking and ability to cover 10 at a pinch sees him nab the replacement position.
Hodge, meanwhile, offers utility value.
Samu Kerevi is on the comeback from a hamstring injury. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Midfield: Samu Kerevi, Len Ikitau
Kerevi’s fitness is vital for the Wallabies, but if he’s not fit Lalakai Foketi is his logical replacement.
Ikitau is a no-brainer at outside centre and his raking left-boot will come in handy.
While Hodge could be used anywhere in the backline outside of halfback, Hooper, Pete Samu and McReight could be used in the midfield if required.
Outside backs: Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tom Wright
While Dylan Pietsch has jumped in on the left-wing at times throughout the week, Koroibete’s work-rate and world-class ability has him picked.
Nawaqanitawase is picked just ahead of Suliasi Vunivalu, while Tom Wright is the obvious option at fullback with Andrew Kellaway not fit.
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Reece Hodge.
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.