Australia in their own backyard are the greatest threat to Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks’ aspirations of three successive World Cup titles, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane asserts that despite the historic rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand, the Wallabies’ dominance against the Boks Down Under presents a formidable challenge to South Africa’s rugby legacy.
He highlights South Africa’s poor record against the Wallabies on their home turf, winning only five out of 30 Tests since 1992, and argues that playing in Australia fundamentally alters the Boks’ performance, citing examples of dramatic turnarounds in matches.
Keohane emphasises the significance of the 2027 Rugby World Cup being held in Australia, anticipating an improved Wallaby team under new head coach Joe Schmidt.
KEO: Boks vs All Blacks rivalry is irresistible
“There is something brewing in Australian rugby. The Wallabies, in Australia, more than the All Blacks, is where South Africa’s focus must be for the next four years,” he writes.
“Rassie Erasmus’ Boks, en route to the 2019 World Cup title, were on fire in beating the All Blacks in New Zealand and post that in downing the British & Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021. But winning in Australia, they bottled it.
“There have been few big moments in between, notably one in Brisbane [but] the moments for the Boks in Australia against the Wallabies have been few.
“The point is these Aussies are a rugby problem when they play in Australia. The Wallabies, in Australia, are the greatest threat to the Boks’ aspirations of three successive World Cup titles.”
Photo: Brenton Edwards/AFP
The post Wallabies a ‘problem’ for Boks Down Under appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
