Australia vs South Africa Preview & Tips - World champs backed in handicap market

South Africa lead 3-2 in their last seven matches against Australia along with two draws. Last week Australia kicked a last minute penalty to win 28-26 at the Cbus Stadium.

Australia have not had a good season thus far, but last week’s victory over South Africa will give them a huge boost. A 2-1 series win over a second string French outfit prior to the Rugby Championship was rather underwhelming by the Wallabies.

That was followed by three losses to New Zealand, two of which were heavy defeats. They weren’t given much chance to beat the world champions on the weekend but the return of Quade Cooper proved inspired.

The flyhalf scored 23 points with the boot which included a last minute penalty win. What will be concerning is that South Africa were really poor by their standards, and still managed to outscore Australia by three tries to one.

Quade Cooper has retained his place after an inspired return to the Australian side last weekend. There is a change at halfback though as Nic White comes in for Tate McDermott.

James Slipper also comes into the starting lineup after an impressive showing off the bench last weekend.

South Africa have had a good year thus far, beating Georgia before seeing off the British and Irish Lions 2-1 in a three-match series. They began their Rugby Championship campaign with two convincing wins at home against Argentina.

Going into their first Rugby Championship match in Australia, the Springboks were heavy favourites to win. Unfortunately they didn’t pitch up on the day as the Wallabies won 28-26 with a last gasp penalty by Quade Cooper.

The good news for the visitors is that they can only get better. South Africa outscored Australia by three tries to one but ill-discipline cost them dearly as Cooper slotted 23 points with the boot.

On the other end, Handre Pollard missed crucial kicks which all played a role in the Aussies upsetting the odds.

The Springboks have made two changes to their starting lineup. Lood de Jager will miss the clash due to concussion which means Marvin Orrie makes his second Test start.

In the front-row, Trevor Nyakane comes in for Steven Kitzhoff who drops to the bench. Head coach Jacques Nienaber has stuck with his 6-2 split on the bench.