Aussies out to end Jo'burg pain
2008-08-29 14:11
Johannesburg - In a Tri-Nations of milestones for Australia, this Saturday's last road Test against South Africa presents another tilt at making rugby history.
Before arriving in the republic two weeks ago, the Wallabies hadn't won in South Africa in eight years. Then they went and outhustled the Springboks 27-15 last weekend in Durban, after which the flattered home side was booed.
That triumph gave Australia the know-how that it can finally end one of its longest hoodoos, winning on the highveld in Johannesburg, where the Springboks haven't lost to the Wallabies since 1963.
"By winning in Durban last weekend, we have presented ourselves with an opportunity to win back-to-back Test matches in South Africa, which is not only rare in an Australian context but is also historically significant across the game in general," Australia coach Robbie Deans said.
"We owe it to ourselves, and to everyone who is associated with Australian rugby, to make the most of that opportunity."
Victory would also put Australia on the cusp of its first Tri-Nations title since 2001. It would head to the decider against New Zealand in Brisbane on Sept. 13 atop the table, knowing it could afford to draw the All Blacks for the championship. With the Mandela Trophy retained, the Bledisloe Cup will also be on the line.
Shoulder injury
Deans made five changes to the side which won in Durban, and the Wallabies don't look any weaker.
Lock Dan Vickerman was back home nursing a shoulder injury but even after he exited in the first half at Durban, Australia's lineout didn't lose a throw-in and ended up pinching three from South Africa.
And 23 minutes of action by Timana Tahu was enough to convince Deans that the former rugby league star was ready to start in midfield beside captain Stirling Mortlock.
A fortnight ago, the Springboks thought this third consecutive home game would be for the championship. Instead, they are playing for pride.
Less than 10 months after winning the World Cup, South Africa has already been consigned to another last-place finish in the Tri-Nations with only one win from five games.
During this three-game home series, the Boks, and especially first-year coach Peter de Villiers, have come under fire from the government, former coaches, and the International Rugby Board. Referees chief Paddy O'Brien blasted de Villiers and captain Victor Matfield for criticizing and haranguing the referee, and using the media rather than official channels to complain.
O'Brien and the Springboks management met this week and agreed it was worth clearing the air.
Open game
Now the team has its own fans to satisfy. Such has been the public backlash, the South African Rugby Union was moved this week to say de Villiers' job was safe.
The coach, trying to establish a more fluid, wide open game, has also stuck by his error-prone team.
After the 19-0 whitewash from New Zealand in Cape Town, he made only one change to the starting 15. Then after Durban, he's made only two, both by necessity with first-year players Odwa Ndungane in for injured winger JP Pietersen, and Brian Mujati at tighthead prop for the suspended CJ van der Linde.
Despite the fact the Springboks have been regularly beaten at the breakdowns and turned over ball at a rate of almost 2 to 1, de Villiers has stayed with loose forwards Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Pierre Spies and out-of-touch flyhalf Butch James.
"The Peter de Villiers game plan is all about adding decision-making to structure, and we are stuck at the moment at decision-making," the coach said.
"But I back the players and I want them to keep going out and playing what's in front of them. The win will come because we have very good players."
Lineups:
South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield (captain), Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomery.
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Brett Sheehan, Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell.
- SAPA