South Africa vs Australia Predictions - Springboks backed for narrow win

Over their last six matches Australia and South Africa have won three each. That said, Australia have won three of the last four, all of which were at home.

Australia’s last victory in South Africa came way back in 2011.

South Africa will be pleased with where they are at as a side heading into the Rugby Championship. Due to it being a World Cup year, the tournament is shortened, and all sides will rest players throughout in a bid to get the best combinations for the showpiece event later this year.

Last season the Springboks finished second in the Rugby Championship. They will be kicking themselves for not winning it after beating New Zealand in their opener on home soil. They lost the following week to the All Blacks and then again in Australia.

On the end-of-year tour South Africa demolished Italy and England but suffered narrow defeats to both France and Ireland. Consistency has not been good for the Boks recently, but they will be confident of seeing off this Aussie side.

Jacques Nienaber has already announced his side for Saturday. The Springboks are splitting their squad, with some players traveling to New Zealand early for next week’s game.

That said, perhaps four or five players this weekend are guaranteed starters in the best side. Manie Libbok will make his first-ever Springbok start while Jean Kleyn is a debutant in the second-row.

Australia appointed Eddie Jones early this year as their head coach. He is expected to rejuvenate the Wallaby side but whether that will be enough to win in South Africa remains to be seen.

The Wallabies finished third in the Rugby Championship last season and then suffered a humiliating first-ever defeat to Italy on their end-of-year tour.

Positives were few and far between, but if they can get it together this year they have a real shot at the Rugby Championship and World Cup.

Eddie Jones will no doubt have a few tricks up his sleeve, he is just that sort of coach. Quade Cooper’s return to the flyhalf position is a massive bonus.