The Wallabies are set to confront the mighty Springboks in the opening clash of the Rugby Championship, riding high on morale after their recent face-off with the British and Irish Lions. Despite a series loss, Australia's performance in the final two tests showed promise, setting the stage for what Wallabies legend Jeremy Paul believes should be a victory over South Africa.
Post their Lions encounter, where they showcased significant improvement, Jeremy Paul shared his insights on the GBRANZ podcast, asserting,
"I think we should win the first game."
He emphasized the rigorous preparation the team underwent, suggesting it as ideal groundwork for their upcoming challenges.The rugby calendar doesn't get any easier for Joe Schmidt's squad, with back-to-back matches lined up against Argentina and the formidable All Blacks. Paul, with confidence surging, predicts a stellar performance throughout the tournament, particularly eyeing a win against New Zealand in Perth, although he acknowledges the daunting nature of Eden Park,
"Eden Park, you can’t even talk about going there and winning – has anyone won there in 100 years?"
The former Wallaby, capped 72 times, lauded the team’s execution against the Lions, emphasizing the need to maintain their aggressive gameplay. "Off the back of this momentum, off the back of this type of game we played in Sydney – the line speed, dominant tackles – it’s a new level, and they have to replicate this," he remarked.
When it comes to comparing the intensity of their opponents, Paul believes the Lions presented a tougher challenge than what the Springboks might offer on home soil, mainly due to the infrequency of the Lions tours. However, he did not downplay the significance of facing the top-ranked Springboks, stating, "Going to South Africa and trying to win a game is huge."
Overall, with the Wallabies displaying a renewed vigor and strategic prowess under Schmidt's guidance, the anticipation is building for what could be a defining moment in their Rugby Championship campaign. The question now is whether they can turn their potential into victory on the South African turf.