Former Springbok star Akona Ndungane expects Australia to employ a different approach against South Africa on Saturday, in what would be a pursuit of quick revenge for the humiliation the Aussies suffered at the hands of the world champions last weekend.
But still, the 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, Ndungane, doesn’t give Australia any chance to get one over their South African rivals, at least not this weekend.
The Springboks got their Rugby Championship campaign off the ground with a resounding 33-7 victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane, Australia.
And the wounded Wallabies have the most unenviable task in the world, face-off with the vicious and unforgiving Boks, again.
The two proud teams are set to battle it out in their second game of the Championship at Perth Stadium at 11:45 (SA time).
“I expect a different approach from the team, they didn’t play well last week against the Springboks at home in Brisbane and there’s a couple of changes that have been made on the side,” Ndungane said.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt called on experienced winger Marika Koroibete to replace injured Filipo Daugunu, while hooker Josh Nasser comes into the starting side ahead of Matt Faessler as Angus Blyth will start at lock in place of Nick Frost, who struggles with concussion.
Scrumhalf Nic White forms a half-back pairing with Noah Lolesio.
“Yes, some are injury-forced but when there are changes and you bring in experienced players, that brings excitement into the team,” Ndungane said.
“I think it should be an interesting game with the world champs having made 10 changes.
“For coach Rassie (Erasmus), it’s something that’s exciting him especially when the team is playing so well and winning, it’s always easier to make those changes.
“The players that he has brought in are players that have a lot of experience and some are exciting youngsters, especially in the front row,” Ndungane said.
“It would be a nice challenge for them, but the beauty about them is they played together for the Vodacom Bulls (Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar) and they understand each other. It is something I’m sure they will enjoy.”
Rassie 𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘴
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 14, 2024
Episode 7: Rassie on the perfect player.
Enjoy!🍿🔊#ForeverGreenForeverGold #Springboks pic.twitter.com/4xhVapuAbt
The Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador and former Bulls player predicts the hosts will stage a big fight, but in the end, Erasmus’ men will conquer with close margins.
“I think the Springboks should be able to get one again against Australia as I believe they are very high on confidence and they play with a lot of enjoyment in their game,” Ndungane said.
The retired wing also believes the match is key for young and upcoming pivot Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who was a marvel to watch in the previous game.
“Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is playing really well and would want to cement that position for himself going forward,” Ndungane said.
Your team for the Garden 😤
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 14, 2024
Limited tickets: https://t.co/6UeuPj2Aap pic.twitter.com/28XHskLO9g
The Boks legend also spoke about the other game of the Championship between defending champs All Blacks and Argentina at Eden Park at 9:05.
He believes the Los Pumas are in for a massive retaliation after they stunned the All Blacks 38-30 in Wellington last week.
“The All Blacks will be very disappointed to have lost to Argentina. But I think they will look to improve as we have seen there’s a couple of changes also made (to their team),” Ndungane said.
“Playing in Eden Park where they haven’t lost a game in 30 years, they will want to make sure that they maintain that record and they don’t want to lose the second game in the Championship because that will mean the end of their chance to win the title.
“Argentina would want to give themselves a very good chance, having played two games in New Zealand and hopefully win both games.”
Wins for South Africa and Los Pumas will almost leave the Championship race being a two-horse race.
Springbok team to face Australia in Perth:
15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), 13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), 12 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), 9 – Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), 8 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), 7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), 6 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), 5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), 4 – Salmaan Moerat (captain, DHL Stormers), 3 – Thomas du Toit (Bath), 2 – Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), 1 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), 17 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 19 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), 21 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 22 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), 23 – Handré Pollard.
Wallabies team:
1. Angus Bell, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (captain) 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Tom Wright
Replacements:
16. Billy Pollard, 17. James Slipper, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Seru Uru, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Max Jorgensen.
¡Nuestros 23 para el sábado! ¡Vamos Los Pumas! 🏉
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) August 15, 2024
🔜 TRC Fecha 2
🆚 All Blacks 🇳🇿
📆 Sábado 17 de agosto
⏰ 4:05 h (de 🇦🇷)
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