While the team running out against Australia is considered to be somewhat of a second-stringer side, according to the former Springbok captain, John Smit, making a big statement will be very important.

Half of the squad boarded a plane to New Zealand on Thursday night in preparation for next week’s massive clash against the All Blacks in Wellington.

There are just four Tests remaining for the Springboks to iron out any problems and build momentum heading into the World Cup in Japan.

Smit, who led South Africa to the World Cup title in 2007, told OFM Sport that it is important to make a statement.

“This Test is probably more important than the last two or three World Cups because there will be more emphasis on the Championship just due to the short period of time that Rassie has had with the Springboks.

“He has been quite specific with the two-team system that he has built. I think that he really is trying to build momentum and as much belief as possible in the squad before they go over to the World Cup.

“He needs two nice results to go his way in the Rugby Championship. I don’t think that is essential that they win, but it will be essential to make two big statements with both of these teams.”

Smit conceded that the coach, Rassie Erasmus’, plan of fielding two teams against the Wallabies and All Blacks is bold, however, if they beat Australia on Saturday it will give the Boks a tremendous amount of confidence.

“There has been very little talk of the Springboks and I guess that is because of the form that they had a year and a half ago.

“It is almost as if we do have an opportunity to come in under the radar. The perfect time to announce ourselves will be a month or so before the World Cup.

“As risky as it is, you do sort of entice or tease that Wallabies in terms of saying that we have 15 guys on an airplane the week that we are playing against you.

“It does put them under pressure to know that they are still playing against a very good Springbok team. It is quite difficult to figure out because the margins are still very tight.

“They remain two very strong teams, and if this team on Saturday pulls it through against the Wallabies, it will build a tremendous about of confidence for the blokes who have gone to New Zealand.

“It’s going to be an interesting two weeks ahead.”

Saturday’s Test at Ellis Park kicks off at 17:05.

Springboks - 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 S'bu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Francois Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements - 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Dillyn Leyds

Wallabies - 15 Tom Banks , 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nic White, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Rory Arnold, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper

Replacements - 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Will Genia, 22 Matt To’omua, 23 Kurtley Beale.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport