International Test Rugby: South Africa on Trek

29.08.2009
South Africa v Australia in Perth (Tri Nations)

Venue: Subiaco Oval

Preview
Australia may be out of contention for the Tri Nations Trophy but they have pride to play for when they take on the South Africans in Perth.

South Africa needs only to win one of their three remaining test matches on this three test tour to Australasia to take the Trophy. South Africa does not usually travel well so the Kiwis will be watching keenly and will be hoping Australia can to them a big favour and win this test.

Australia has an uphill struggle without leading players Stirling Mortlock, Nathan Sharp and Berrick Barnes. Like New Zealand, their back-up players are struggling to cope with international rugby at this level. Coach Robbie Deans is rapidly running out of quality players to plug the gaps caused by injury.

Robbie Deans will again be under the spotlight if the Aussies under perform again
Photo thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Last Five Encounters
08.08.2009 South Africa 27-19 in Capetown (Tri Nations)
20.08.2008 South Africa 53-8 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
23.08.2008 Australia 27-15 in Durban (Tri Nations)
19.07.2008 Australia 16-9 in Perth (Tri Nations)
07.07.2007 Australia 25-17 in Sydney (Tri Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: South Africa 1st, Australia 3rd

Prediction: South Africa by 9 points

Teams

Australia
15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Adam Ashley Cooper, 11 Peter Hynes, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 Al Baxter, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Drew Mitchell.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Ruan Pienaar, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné 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 Andries Bekker, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Ricky Januarie , 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Frans Steyn.
Head Coach: Peter de Villiers