Springboks halfback Faf De Klerk has paid the Wallabies the ultimate compliment by saying that on their day, they are just as good as the All Blacks.
By way of logic from recent games, some would say that does make some sense. Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in Brisbane a fortnight ago and then the Springboks knocked off the All Blacks 36-34 in Wellington.
High praise: Springbok Faf De Klerk is wary of the Wallabies ahead of this weekend’s clash.
This would, however, be conveniently and seriously glossing over the fact New Zealand pumped Australia 38-13 in Sydney and then again 40-12 in Auckland.
While De Klerk’s words won’t mean much to the Wallabies, it shows that even after one of South Africa's best wins, particularly under such adversity, they won’t be taking the tourists lightly on Saturday (Sunday AEST) at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“The one thing we focused on straight away … [was the] need to replicate this and up our performance,” De Klerk said.
“On their day, I don’t think Australia is a worse side than New Zealand, so I think this is just as tough for us. [We have to] make sure we get the detail right and if we do, passion and pride will come naturally.”
De Klerk reflected on the recent loss in Brisbane and said it was frustrating the side could not give a better account of itself.
“We were almost our worst enemy in that game," De Klerk said. “They put a lot of pressure on our scrums and lineouts and at ruck time and we couldn't get out of our half because of that pressure.”
Even though Kurtley Beale's return to No.10 hasn’t been as productive as the Wallabies would have liked, his ability to single-handedly create something out of nothing has not been lost on Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who also praised Australian halfback Will Genia.
"They are hurting and we have recently been there so we are not going to underestimate them," Stick said. "They have a good coaching staff and you look at Beale and Genia … on their best day they can destroy any team."
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