Rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen looks at key battles which may decide the result of the Rugby Chmpionship clash between South Africa and Australia.
Will Genia versus Faf de Klerk
The Stade Francais man with 68 Tests is not the player he once was, but coach Michael Cheika is desperate for him to fire for the Wallabies and help turn around their fortunes. Genia and flyhalf Quade Cooper have a wealth of experience and should they fire the Wallabies will be hard to stop, but if they struggle then the Boks should take it. In Faf de Klerk’s case, well, he’s the one newcomer to the Bok set-up this year who’s continued to produce his Super Rugby form at Test level and will again be a key man tomorrow. He’s sparked a lot of the few good things the Boks have done this season, but he must cut out the silly mistakes he often makes, but he must also back himself more often around the fringes.
Scott Sio versus Lourens Adriaanse
This is a battle the Boks simply have to win if they’re to stand a chance of getting on top and going all the way. Aussie loosehead Scott Sio has become a mainstay for the side and while he has his strengths, he’s not rated among the best in the game. He’s a man the Boks will target and this is Lourens Adriaanse’s big chance to cement his place in the side. He’s been on the fringes of selection for a while, but with Frans Malherbe and Julian Redelinghuys out of action and Vincent Koch dropped, 28-year-old Adriaanse must step up and be the anchor the Boks are crying out for. A powerful Bok scrum will give them the platform - the momentum - to play the expansive game they’re craving, but also an opportunity to win penalties which could allow them to build the scoreboard pressure they’re after.
Michael Hooper versus Francois Louw
Wow, so much depends on who comes out tops in the breakdown battle and one suspects the Wallabies may rule this department at Suncorp. Michael Hooper is a menace at the rucks, a player who really is up there with the best in the game and, together with David Pocock, the Boks will have their hands full. Two fetchers firing against a mis-firing Francois Louw could prove fatal for Allister Coetzee and his men ... so if ever there was a game for Louw to stand up and be counted, this is it. Unfortunately neither Oupa Mohoje nor Warren Whiteley are known as ball-stealers so Louw may have to be assisted by the likes of Adriaan Strauss, who himself needs a big game.
Bernard Foley versus Juan de Jongh
Matt Giteau, Matt Toomua, Christian Lealia’ifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale ... all experienced campaigners capable of wearing the No 12 jersey. None of them are available to coach Michael Cheika. It’s now up to specialist flyhalf Bernard Foley to give direction to the Wallabies and create the chances for the men on the outside. It’s a big ask for the 26-year-old who will earn his 33rrd cap tomorrow. But then Bok No 12 Juan de Jongh has just as big a task ahead of him. At 28 and having captained the Stormers he has far greater experience at inside centre, but he would not have played much next to Elton Jantjies or with outside centre Jesse Kriel. His main task will be to straighten the line and be a creator for the outside backs.
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