The four tests the Wallabies must pass to beat the Springboks

Wily Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has been buttering up the locals since arriving in Australia, talking up their next opponents.

But the reality is that the Wallabies will face a formidable rugby machine this weekend, even if Erasmus has sent Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende back to South Africa after the gruelling series against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks scored plenty of tries in those four Tests, but there are four massive challenges the Wallabies must pass before winning becomes a possibility in Perth.

One, the Springboks’ second shove on their own scrum ball; two, competing against the aerial excellence of players such as Damian Willemse and Ethan Hooker; three, clean lineout ball in the face of the Springboks’ aggressive lineout defence; and four, the brutal front-foot carries from forwards such as Jasper Wiese (if he plays).

The focus this week will be on the Wallabies’ selection at No.10. Declan Meredith will likely get the nod, but the Wallabies will need a huge contribution from all players against the brutal Boks.

Burey outpoints Lynagh in Roma

The Waratahs thrashed the Reds 47-19 in Super Rugby Aus on Saturday in a game that was notable for a number of reasons, not least the duel between the No.10s Max Burey and Tom Lynagh.

Burey has attracted plenty of headlines due to a contract stoush between the Waratahs and Western Force, but it clearly didn’t affect him.

Now 27, Burey is clearly a player confident in his own abilities and he won the battle with Wallaby Lynagh.

The Waratahs were far more aggressive from the first whistle and gave Burey a good platform, but he ran the attack well and made sure NSW won the territory battle with his big boot.

Lynagh’s timing isn’t where it needs to be after an injury-interrupted year so far – he doesn’t look ready for a Test recall at the moment and might benefit from more game time with the Reds for the remainder of the year.

Young Tahs give Cheika some encouragement

Incoming Waratahs coach Michael Cheika would have loved what he saw from a number of the younger Waratahs against the Reds. Big No.8 Isaac Fonua is a great athlete, and he pulled off some big shots and carries before running out of steam somewhat.

New Waratahs assistant coaches Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu, former back-rowers, will also be looking at Fonua’s big frame with a degree of excitement.

Second-rowers Tom Girle and Eamon Doyle were real workhorses, while midfielder Otto Serfontein ran hard throughout the game. But the standout performer was perhaps a surprise package.

George Poolman, wearing the No.12 jersey, enjoyed a number of good touches and ran strongly. Angus Crichton is destined to wear that jersey next year for the Waratahs, but there was a hint of “don’t forget about me” in Poolman’s performance.

The standout Australians in the NZ comp

Plenty of Australians have been plying their trade in New Zealand’s NPC this year, but Reds-bound Lachlan Hooper has been the pick of the bunch.

Hooper is playing for Northland, who have emerged as one of the competition front-runners. Hooper has shown his versatility by playing in the second row and back row and has been one of Northland’s best players so far.

He is tough and great over the ball and looks to be a good addition to the Reds squad next year – very much a Vern Cotter style of player. There is also good news for the Western Force. Perth-bound James Ramm, who is also playing for Northland, was exceptional at fullback as they thrashed Wellington 52-28 on Saturday.

Ramm looks like a completely different athlete after a few years in the UK – bigger, faster and more athletic – and he showed against Wellington that he is a class above that level of rugby.

Ramm has returned to Australia for a crack at the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad, and on the evidence of the NPC he should not be ruled out of contention. He’ll be one to watch in Super Rugby Pacific.

Condolences to the Waugh family

The horrible news of the death of Jack Waugh, Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh’s eldest son, certainly puts sport into perspective. While nothing can be said to alleviate the grief, the Herald would like to pass on its condolences to the Waugh family.

No one connected to the game could have failed to have been moved by the picture of proud father Phil with sons Jack and Charlie. A sad day indeed.