The four tests the Wallabies must pass to beat the Springboks

September 20, 2026 — 1:41pm

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Wily Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has been buttering up the locals since arriving in Australia, talking up their next opponents.

But the reality is that the Wallabies will face a formidable rugby machine this weekend, even if Erasmus has sent Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende back to South Africa after the gruelling series against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks scored plenty of tries in those four Tests, but there are four massive challenges the Wallabies must pass before winning becomes a possibility in Perth.

One, the Springboks’ second shove on their own scrum ball; two, competing against the aerial excellence of players such as Damian Willemse and Ethan Hooker; three, clean lineout ball in the face of the Springboks’ aggressive lineout defence; and four, the brutal front-foot carries from forwards such as Jasper Wiese (if he plays).

The focus this week will be on the Wallabies’ selection at No.10. Declan Meredith will likely get the nod, but the Wallabies will........

© The Sydney Morning Herald