Rugby Championship
Springboks wary of wounded Wallabies
ESPN Staff
September 4, 2014
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Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer says "one bad game" against New Zealand doesn't make the Wallabies a bad team, hence he called up two of South Africa's most trusted veterans to nullify the threat of an ambush in the Rugby Championship Test at Patersons Stadium in Perth on Saturday.

Victor Matfield and Morne Steyn feature among six starting changes to take on Australia, with Meyer bolstering his backs to brace for what he describes as a "brilliant" Wallabies backline - veteran five-eighth Steyn replacing young gun Handre Pollard, and Jan Serfontein in for Damian de Allende at outside centre.

South Africa's Morne Steyn slots a kick, Australia v South Africa, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, September 7, 2013
Morne Steyn provides an experienced head at fly-half © Getty Images
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"I truly believe they have a quality, quality side," Meyer said of Australia, who enter the match on the back of their 51-20 thumping at the hands of the All Blacks in Auckland.

"In the wet they played some great rugby where they drew [with the All Blacks]. And even the game they lost, I know they lost on the scoreboard, quite considerably, but they showed some brilliant touches and played some great rugby."

Meyer added that Australia hadn't lost a Test in eight matches before Auckland.

"They've always had brilliant backs but now their forwards are coming to the party as well," Meyer said. said. "I know they had one bad game but that doesn't make them a bad team. They'll definitely be up for it."

© AAP

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