Wallabies braced for 'punch in the face' from Springboks

[ad_1] Underneath no illusions, Australia are bracing for some fierce backlash from South Africa within the two sides' return Rugby Championship stoush in Cape City.

Whereas delighted along with his aspect's resilience and rising perception proven in Saturday's colossal comeback win over the back-to-back world champions in Johannesburg, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt just isn't getting carried away.

He believes the Springboks took their foot off the pedal after motoring to a 22-0 lead inside 18 minutes earlier than succumbing to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the primary time since 1963.

"I've coached sufficient groups as a result of I am actually previous," the 60-year-old Kiwi mentioned.

"I've had groups who received a really, very fast begin. It could possibly generally simply trigger a little bit of a lapse in effort and focus. I believe they simply gave us a bit little bit of perception.

"In addition to [man of the match] Fraser [McReight] did and the opposite gamers did, we have been most likely a bit bit fortunate as a result of Pieter-Steph [du Toit] at one stage simply went to choose and go and he simply knocked it on."

<img alt="An Australian rugby union player dives full-length to score a try near the corner flag in a Test match against South Africa. " class="Image_image__5tFYM ContentImage_image__DQ_cq" sizes="100vw" src="https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/de517af4df0cd01b5c20c81ed7162bb9?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=3061&cropW=4592&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575" loading="lazy" data-component="Image" data-lazy="true"/> Dylan Pietsch scores at Ellis Park. ( AP: Frans Lombard )

Schmidt mentioned it was unlikely the Springboks would repeat such errors subsequent weekend.

"There have been a few uncharacteristic errors from the Springboks the place, I believe subsequent week, in the event that they choose and go there, he [du Toit] is such a strong, athletic man, he can be a handful," he mentioned.

"It was most likely a mixture of us and a bit little bit of inaccuracy from the Springboks as a result of once they have been correct, you noticed that first 20 minutes.

"I noticed wave after wave and even that very first drive was spectacular.

"We most likely received a bit bit fortunate, even when Andre [Esterhuizen] went down the left-hand contact a few occasions.

"One of many occasions, [Wallaby] Tom Wright went 70 metres and scored on the different finish."

Schmidt says the Wallabies can't anticipate a repeat of the Springboks' second-half lapse when the 2 groups meet once more subsequent Sunday morning (AEST).

"We all know that stress is coming," he mentioned.

"I've coached in opposition to the Boks with a number of different worldwide groups and are available out second.

"I do know whether or not they're favourites or not, they are a heck of a workforce."

<img alt="A group of Wallabies rugby union players embrace on the sidelines as a TV cameraman films them during a Test match." class="Image_image__5tFYM ContentImage_image__DQ_cq" sizes="100vw" src="https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/8c56cda7b2ec5f329c02131b5d95e9f7?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2752&cropW=4128&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575" loading="lazy" data-component="Image" data-lazy="true"/> The Wallabies bench celebrates in the course of the Ellis Park comeback. ( Getty Photos: Gallo Photos/Sydney Seshibedi )

Lock Will Skelton and veteran flyhalf James O'Connor revealed the Wallabies quietly celebrated whereas additionally reviewing the epic 38-22 triumph on laptops, realizing full properly the Boks would possible reply in ruthless vogue.

"Numerous the boys are already onto subsequent week. The boys are reviewing, everybody's clipping stuff," Skelton mentioned.

"We all know what is going on to return. They'll attempt to punch you within the face this week.

"So we'll should have an excellent week of preparation once more and actually battle till the tip."

After taking part in a lead function in his first Check since 2022, 35-year-old O'Connor mentioned the Wallabies "loved one another's firm" however weren't getting carried away.

"That is the factor about rugby — you are already on to subsequent week. I do know my thoughts went there," he mentioned.

"I believed right away, 'What are they going to be coming with — 6-2 bench, again to fundamentals, bomb squad, aerial contest?

"They'll meet us within the trenches there, so I am already eager about what's coming after which simply specializing in restoration."

With winger Dylan Pietsch (damaged jaw), utility again Ben Donaldson (abductor muscle) and prop James Slipper (concussion) all returning house, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart and Rhys van Nek will fly to South Africa to hitch the Wallabies.