Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v South Africa from Perth. Kick-off at Optus Stadium is scheduled for 5.30pm local time (7.30pm AEST).
On paper this is a mismatch: the Springboks, the standout side in the sport, against the seventh-ranked Wallabies, a team with just one win against either South Africa or New Zealand in four years. But on the field the Boks will be showcasing their second string, and they will be facing an Australian team on a rare five-game unbeaten run under the stewardship of new coach Les Kiss.
After years in the doldrums the Wallabies are on an upward trajectory with Kiss building on the foundations laid by predecessor, Joe Schmidt. There is now Test quality all over the park, an abundance of weapons, and plenty of depth. Albeit with one significant caveat: the absence of a leading fly-half.
After putting 50 points on Italy and Japan over the winter, Australia found their level with a narrow victory and a draw away to Argentina. They will take confidence into a spring program featuring the Springboks in Perth and a Bledisloe Cup double header, before rounding off the year with a four game tour of the northern hemisphere.
While the Wallabies might be on their way up, the Springboks are already at the very summit. Their World Rugby rating is second only to the 2016 All Blacks and theyâÂÂve tuned up by defeating New Zealand 3-1 in a blockbuster series.
But the Greatest Rivalryâ¢︠took its toll and in its aftermath Rassie Erasmus has decided to rest a host of star names. Will that mean a demonstration of his sideâÂÂs fearsome strength in depth? Or will it allow Australia the chance to put the rugby world on notice?
IâÂÂll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is [email protected].
