Former Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul says Australia should beat the Springboks in South Africa after a bruising Lions series left them battle-ready for Ellis Park.
The Wallabies travel to Ellis Park and then Cape Town to face the world champions, before hosting Argentina twice and rounding off the campaign against the All Blacks.
Although Australia lost the recent British & Irish Lions series 2-1, Paul insists the tough three-Test battle has left Joe Schmidt’s side better prepared than their hosts.
“I think we should win the first game,” the 72-Test former Wallabies rake said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast. “Being hardened, you could not have better preparation.”
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South Africa head into the tournament with wins over the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia, but Paul believes the Wallabies’ superior match fitness and momentum from their third Test win over the Lions will count.
“Off the back of this momentum, the line speed, dominant tackles, it’s a new level,” he said. “You’ve done it once, now do it again.”
Australia have not beaten the Boks since 2022 and were soundly beaten in both matches last year. But Paul believes a 1-1 result in the Republic would mark a successful start. He also tipped Australia to sweep Argentina and beat the All Blacks in Perth.
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“For us to win one away in South Africa, win the Perth game, and be super competitive in the other two would be an incredibly successful year for us,” he said.
Despite the challenge, Paul says Schmidt’s side “should be incredibly confident” and sees the first Test as a must-take opportunity.
“The Boks haven’t had the preparation going into this game, we have. We should win the first game. The second game is up for grabs.”
Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
