Scrumhalf Tate McDermott says the Wallabies are eager to back up their famous win at Ellis Park with another big performance against the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
McDermott came off the bench to impress in the final half-hour of Australia’s 38-22 victory in Joburg, even filling in on the wing. But he stressed that the Wallabies need to show consistency.
“We talk a lot about us moving in the right direction and this was another good step, but it doesn’t mean much if we can’t follow it up with another win this week,” McDermott said on Tuesday.
The 46-Test No 9 expects the Boks to be fired up after letting a 22-0 lead slip at Ellis Park.
“The Springboks are world class and we saw what they did to us in those first 20 minutes. They tore us apart. So we know they are coming for us.”
SUAALII: Wallabies ready to meet Bok fire head-on
With rain forecast for Saturday, McDermott warned the Wallabies will have to match the Boks physically.
“The last Test against the British Lions was in a deluge, so we have gained some experience this year of playing in the rain.
“Whenever you come up against the Springboks, your pack has to be good, and they were excellent last weekend.
“The challenge is to replicate that performance when you know players like Eben Etzebeth are going to be eager for another opportunity to tackle us.”
The Wallabies will name their team for second Test on Thursday.
Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
