The Boks and Wallabies both enter the Test following defeats in the championship and this has led to the Pumas leading the standings.

The Springboks lineout maul didn’t function all that well against the All Blacks and the big lock Etzebeth feels that this will need to be better.

“Every Test is a new challenge and we know that we have things to work on. Mauling is one of them.

“We need to get reward with more of our mauls in the game, as well with penatlies and penalty advantages. We will probably be looking at getting a bit more.

“Australia will look at us and know we do like mauling and will have plans to stop that, so we have to see on Saturday whose plan is better.”

Etzebeth added that the South African supports made them feel at home somewhat, but they are aware of their poor record against the Wallabies in Australia and they will have their work cut out for them.

“When we landed at the airport on Saturday there was an unbelievable reception from South African supporters and hopefully, we can have them all there.

“But I won’t really say we’ll be playing at a neutral ground, we’re still in Australia. The majority of the crowd will be screaming for the Aussies, so for us it’s an away Test.

“It’s a tough team to play against in their own backyard, you don’t easily win a Test against a top rugby nation like Australia.

“They’ve always had a good home record and the Springboks and I believe our record against them in South Africa is just as good.

“We don’t have a good record in Australia, but we’ve got two chances in two weeks, so the guys are looking forward to it.”

Saturday’s 91st Test between the Wallabies and the Springboks that will be played at the Adelaide Oval will kick-off at 7:30am.

Wallabies - TBA

Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Warrick Gelant, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nché.

Replacements – 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport