Preview: Wallabies V Springboks in Brisbane

South Africa has one hand on the Tri Nations title, just two competition points from clean sweeping all major test trophies available to them.

Supremely poised, the Springboks conceivably had only one flaw coming into their match last week in Perth, an alleged one dimensional match strategy. 

All within their camp, from Coaches Peter De Villiers and Dick Muir to Captain John Smit, almost pompously suggested that they could play any style they want, but their detractors wanted evidence.  Their foes almost hoped that this was not true.

They unleashed their running midfield divisions against the Wallabies, one of the original pioneers of backline attacking rugby, and as they have throughout the year, engineered a sublime half of rugby to have the Australians defeated and the world wide eyed in wonderment.

This week, confidence and supreme belief has seeped from their pores.

Can we blame them? 

They are perched at the top of the rugby food chain, with De Villiers trying to terrify the world with views that it is frightening how good the Springboks could become.

They face a Wallabies team that is in crisis, if you base your opinion on recent results.  But irrespective of this is the fact that Australia has well enough—albeit in precious few glimpses—to demonstrate that surely the worm is about to turn.

As history has shown time and time again, sooner or later you will learn and evolve, especially when playing for the two best teams in the world, and historically, the strongest rugby nations of all time.

But Robbie Deans is now under pressure. 

Probably not for his position as coach,while the losses are hurting, there is no doubt that his Wallabies team is making some progress, with some facets such as their scrum, being stronger than they have ever been.

Unfortunately, progress is inexorably linked to results, and with a record equalling six consecutive Tri Nations losses, one more defeat will see these Wallabies hold the record of the worst run in the competitions history.

Still, they are no strangers to this streak or the nirvana that a return to form can bring.  In 2006, when the Wallabies were again coming off six straight Tri Nation’s losses, they inflicted a 49-0 destruction of South Africa.

Form can be extraordinarily temporary in rugby.

However, where the Wallabies have four survivors from that match, the Springboks have nine, all of whom are now their elite shock troops.

John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Fourie Du Preez, Juan Smith, Jaque Fourie and Pierre Spies—all World Cup winners—are the reasons why such superlatives are being used for this South African team.  No other side in world rugby wields the experience, with 833 test caps in their match day 22, and sheer class seen in this team. 

They are the Tri Nations champions elect, and have no obvious weaknesses, aside from their scrum and inability or unwillingness to put opponents to the sword.

And while the absolute purists may argue that they are not quite unbeatable, with the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks and Wallabies all exposing fallibility in South Africa, they have been unable to do it or maintain when it counts.

Whereas this Springboks team take their opportunities, which is the mark of a great team.

The Wallabies have made multiple changes, two of which look to strengthen the side immensely.

Berrick Barnes has recovered from his injury, and as arguably the Wallabies most influential back, his tactical leadership, educated boot and tenacious defence will be crucial.

It may see a shift in the Springboks tactics, as their principal target last week was the Australian midfield.  Do they have yet another game plan in their arsenal?

Will Genia comes in for the maligned Luke Burgess, and the Queensland Red completes a remarkable rise to test rugby.  With far faster service and the physique of a ninth forward, he will bring the added advantage of the Springboks knowing little about Australia’s best Super 14 scrumhalf.

David Pocock makes his run on debut, and Drew Mitchell takes Peter Hynes berth.

But while the Australian scrum has been sound, they must have go forward ball, having been overpowered by the Springboks in contact.

South Africa makes only the one change to their starting team, with Odwa Ndungane coming in for the injured JP Pieterson. 

On paper, this team is beyond the Wallabies.

The only potential weak link is ironically John Smit; who brings immense leadership to the team, but is still struggling with his switch to prop.  But the Springboks other strengths, principally their lineout and kicking game; are of such a standard that a mixed scrum platform will not cost them matches.

This team has evolved.  De Villiers hasn’t tinkered with his side as he did in the third test, and they will not want to play the All Blacks at home on the back of a three match tour to decide the title.

History is waiting, and the Springboks should win by 10.

Australia: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 George Smith (capt), 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Peter Hynes.

South Africa: 15 Ruan Pienaar, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne 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 Danie Rossouw, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Frans Steyn .

Wallabies recent test match form (last 12 months): LLLWWWLWWWLLLL

Springboks recent form (last 12 months): WWWWWWLWWWW