The beauty of sport is that it is not played on paper, but on the field – a far more unpredictable canvas. That said, South Africa are short-priced favourites with the bookies for Saturday’s clash against the Wallabies – and with good reason. The world champions arrive in Brisbane stacked with experience and world-class performers.
They have a clear edge – on paper at least. 15. Tom Wright.
The Brumbies fullback’s brilliant try against Wales in Sydney arguably papered over some cracks in his all-round game. Still looks like a No.14-and-a-half rather than an out-and-out Test fullback but there’s no doubting his ability to beat a man.
7 Tom Wright taking on Georgia last month. Credit: Getty Images 14. Andrew Kellaway.
Showed his eye for an opportunity in the second Test against Wales to spark a great counterattacking try and has matured into one of the Wallabies most accomplished players. 7 13. Len Ikitau.
Hasn’t returned to the peak form we saw two years ago and will have his hands full against Jesse Kriel, but has previously played very well against South Africa. 8 12. Hunter Paisami.
One of the big movers in Australian rugby this year – his error rate is way lower than it used to be. His combination with Ikitau is developing nicely, and he will be one of the Wallabies’ main ball carriers. 7 11.
Filipo Daugunu. Marika Koroibete is breathing down his neck and Daugunu needs a big game to cement his place. Too frequently undoes his good work with an act of ill .