The Rugby Championship fixture between Springboks and Australia in Brisbane will also see a number of law variations in effect, including the speeding up of the scrums.Bok scrummager, Ox Nche, says this is a great development as it will allow the front row to do what they do best in a more efficient manner.
Nche says, “For you to actually come to deliver your trade to show the world what you are really good at as a tight forward, then you have to meet the fitness requirements, make sure you set quickly, make sure the game keeps on flowing and you don’t have guys milking, slowing the ball down just because they are at a disadvantage. I think it is actually beneficial but it requires a bit more from the forwards.
The Springboks admit that in the past they have been guilty of looking past Australia and that may be why they have a less than stellar record down under.South Africa only has one win in 13 played in Brisbane since 1993.Reinach says, “A few years ago we would have looked past Australia, because we have maybe New Zealand after we don’t prepare as well, because we know there is more games to come and tougher games to come.