Despite the Springboks being overwhelming favourites for their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday, South Africa prop Ox Nche says their opposition will be no pushover.
The last time Australia beat South Africa at the famed venue in the heart of Johannesburg came 62 years ago.
In fact, the last time the Wallabies beat the Boks came in 2022 in Adelaide. Since then, the Springboks have run out comprehensive victors.
Australia, though, seem to be on the up as their recent series against the British and Irish Lions seems to indicate. Though Australia lost the series 2-1, they did win their final encounter in Sydney on August 2.
Nche Highlights Australia’s Rising Form Ahead of Test Match Against South Africa
“We saw the last two British and Irish Lions Tests, how well they started to gel together,” said Nche.
“I think they will definitely be looking forward to this Test and I think they will be up for it. I think they will start to focus on getting all those pieces and gel together.”
While South Africa top the current World Rugby rankings to go with their 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup titles, Australia are down in sixth.
Still, Nche insisted their foes were back on the rise.
“They have improved a lot because there are a lot of new good combinations and a lot of players that have also played together for a while. I think they are going to be a good challenge.
“I definitely think their setpiece has improved a lot. We saw two British and Irish Tests, they have good combinations as I said.
“You have a guy like Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, you saw how big they were for them and as well. They have a very solid pack, even the guys coming off the bench. Come lineout time as well, they’re gelling. They compete very well, they win most of their balls. I think they’ve actually gotten the right combinations together.”
The match kicks off at 5.10pm.
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IOL Sport
