Rugby Test Match: South Africa v Australia

08.08.2009
Australia v South Africa in Capetown (Tri Nations)

Venue: Newlands Rugby Ground

Preview
It's difficult to see beyond a South African win here. Australia has struggled in the forwards against the All Blacks and the All Blacks have struggled against South Africa. Unless the Aussies play a blinder and the Springbox have a dreadful day I can't see Australia winning.

A win here will put South Africa firmly in control of the competition with a win away in the next three weeks sealing the trophy. The last time Australia played in South Africa was late August last year. They lost 8-53!

Last Five Encounters
30.08.2008 South Africa 53-8 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
23.08.2008 Australia 27-15 in Durban (Tri Nations)
19.07.2008 Australia 16-9 in Perth (Tri Nations)
07.07.2007 Australia 25-17 in Sydney (Tri Nations)
16.06.2007 South Africa 22-19 in Capetown (Tri Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 1st, Australia 3rd

Prediction: South Africa by 13 points

Teams


Morne Steyn has been South Africa's key player against the All Blacks. Can he cause the demise of the Wallabies as well?
Image thanks to http://www.sarugby.net/

South Africa:
15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Adi Jacobs.
Head Coach: Peter de Villiers

Ali Baxter will lead the Australian front row in their battle with the Springbox.
Image thanks to http://www.rugby.com.au/

Australia:
Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Peter Hynes, 22 James O'Connor.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans