The Wallabies are hoping the emerging depth and the competition for places within the squad ensures not an ounce of complacency slips through, as Dave Rennie’s side seek back to back wins for the second time in his tenure.
While Rennie’s side responded from their record defeat in Argentina with victory over the world champions in Adelaide, “consistency” has become the buzz word ahead of their return to the new Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday for their rematch against the Springboks.
It’s no surprise because consistency, or there lack of, has continually hampered Australian rugby’s momentum – on and off the pitch.
Rennie’s men can talk about it until the cows come home,with nit-picking over details like the failure to win the set-piece battle and their dreadful final 15 minutes which cost the Wallabies a crucial bonus-point, but in reality only competition for places, and fear of being axed, sends shivers down the spines of players.
It’s in part why burgeoning fly-half Noah Lolesio said he was “nervous” following the win.
On Tuesday, the Wallabies’ forwards spoke of being kept on their “toes” because of the emerging depth throughout the squad and the return to fitness of a number of first-choice players.
“Yeah, I think it makes it (competition for places) better for all of us,” rising No.8 Rob Valetini said.
“I think (when) there’s competition, it sort of keeps us all on our toes.
“Always wanting us to make ourselves better.
“But I think that can also make other people better as well, just wanting to be better than your opposite.
“So I think competition is good.
“It’ll bring consistency as well, with how we train and that’ll lift our training standards, which is what we’re trying to do.”
Valetini’s back-row teammate Jed Holloway agreed.
“Everyone in this squad wants to represent their country andwear that gold jersey on the weekend and, as Bobby said, the competition within the squad is really driving us to all be better.
“The best thing about that is we have guys who are disappointed when the team is announced (and they’re not in it), but they all park that and all then focus on making that 23 better on game day.
“And that’s best thing about it – there aren’t egos here. Once that decision is made, everyone’s focusing on getting it better, but definitely the competition and the return of guys is really driving that amongst a group.”
Case is point when experienced playmaker and leader James O’Connor was dropped after failing to lead the Wallabies to victory in San Juan.
With the likes of Harry Wilson being kept out of the side too, class is on the sidelines and itching for opportunities.
Throw in backs Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell and Jake Gordon, the Wallabies have a number of players who have been strong Super Rugby performers who aren’t getting opportunities at international level.
Fraser McReight’s starring role on Saturday was another example of that, with the 23-year-old focused on delivering after serving a two-and-a-half year apprentice under regular captain Michael Hooper.
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Helping the Wallabies’ cause on Saturday night is that they are expected to make only minor changes to their squad, including staying with the forward heavy bench.
It will likely mean fullback Reece Hodge will act as Lolesio’s back-up, should anything happen to the rising 22-year-old.
Meanwhile, the Springboks have made eight changes to their run-on side, with injury striking the side.
Injuries to both their two first-choice playmakers has seen Damian Willemse shifted from fullback to fly-half, where he will partner Jaden Hendrikse after Faf de Klerk was left out. World Cup-winning fullback Willie le Roux returns at 15.
Up front, Steven Kitshoff and world class hooker Malcolm Marx will start, while the back-row takes on a new look to it with Franco Mostert and Jasper Wiese starting alongside captain Siya Kolisi.
Springboks (15-1): Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Jaden Hendrikse, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (c), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff
Reserves: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn, Warrick Gelant
