Andrew Kellaway says the Wallabies are readying themselves for a ferocious Springbok response when the sides clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Kellaway, who is set to replace the injured Dylan Pietsch, stressed that their now-famous comeback win at Ellis Park has already been parked as Australia prepare for a bruising rematch.
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“The preparation is different every week for every opposition,” Kellaway said.
“So what we do know this week is that the Boks are going to respond, so we need to prepare ourselves physically for that. They’re the benchmark globally for that type of game. So we’ll get that right and then we’re very blessed with a fantastic coaching staff, strategy and tactics-wise. And guys like James O’Connor and Nic White can also add a bit of IP there. So we’ll leave the strategy and that sort of stuff to those guys, and the rest of us will get ready for a big Test match.”
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The Wallabies’ preparations have been clouded by uncertainty over skipper Harry Wilson, who damaged his knee in Johannesburg. Rugby Australia later confirmed initial scans revealed no structural damage, but his availability remains unclear.
“As far as we’re aware, everyone’s available for selection at the moment,” Kellaway said.
“He certainly looked good when we got into Cape Town, but I’m not a doctor. I can’t answer that question.”
If Wilson is sidelined, flanker Fraser McReight – Ellis Park’s Man of the Match last week – could captain the side, with Rob Valetini expected to return from a calf injury. Coach Joe Schmidt will confirm his line-up on Thursday.
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The Springboks have already named their squad, with Rassie Erasmus making ten changes and restoring his trademark “bomb squad” bench. World Cup winners Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe are among those recalled as South Africa look to finish much stronger than they did in the second half at Ellis Park.
Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
