(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Wallabies Aim to End South Africa’s Home Dominance in Rugby Championship Opener
The Wallabies are eager to add a win over the reigning world champions, the Springboks, to their recent victory against the British and Irish Lions as they kick off the Rugby Championship in Johannesburg on Sunday (0110 AEDT). However, beating South Africa on their home turf remains a daunting challenge.
Australia will face the Springboks at Ellis Park, a venue where they last triumphed in 1963. Their most recent win at altitude was a narrow two-point victory in Bloemfontein back in 2010. Historically, the Wallabies have secured only 10 wins in 48 Tests played in South Africa since 1933.
Despite falling short in the Lions series, Australia heads into the tournament with renewed confidence after winning the third Test in Sydney.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa emphasized the need to focus on the task at hand rather than being overwhelmed by South Africa’s reputation as back-to-back World Cup champions, having claimed the 2023 title in France.
“It’s easy to respect their achievements, but we’re taking the Springboks at face value,” Paenga-Amosa said from Johannesburg. “We believe we’re in a stronger position than 12 months ago and want to build momentum through the Rugby Championship against South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand.”
He also confirmed the Wallabies have no major injury concerns, with prop Taniela Tupou recovering from a toe injury and available for selection.
Paenga-Amosa spoke about the unique challenges of playing at Ellis Park, especially the altitude. “We’re here now to acclimatize and will focus on executing our plays and individual roles to overcome that factor.”
Adding a personal touch, Paenga-Amosa shared pride in his younger sister Katalina, who is part of the Wallaroos squad competing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England this month.
“It’s been exciting for our family, and if I get the chance to play against the Springboks here in Johannesburg, it will be a huge honor,” he said.
