The Springboks team is preparing for a game against the Wallabies as part of a pre-World Cup training session. Although the Springboks players have called the series of matches between them and the Wallabies the most significant in rugby history, they need to play this final match before they can take a well-deserved rest.
Since June, the Boks team has been in test match mode, starting the season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha. After successfully hosting the Nations Cup, they proceeded to an epic series of four matches against the All Blacks.
The last of these matches took place in the USA on September 12. However, instead of returning home, the Boks decided to travel to Australia early to prepare for the Wallabies as part of 'scouting' ahead of next year's World Cup.
This concluding stage for the tired Springboks team shows all signs of a classic ambush. The Wallabies were not impressed when the Rugby Championship was cancelled so that the Boks and All Blacks could hold their own series of four matches, and the new coach, Les Kiss, likely managed to easily boost the team's morale after this perceived insult.
Furthermore, there is a goal hanging over the best team in the world. Kiss, who took over from Joe Schmidt at the end of July, knows that the Springboks will strive to finish a long and intense season on a high note.
Kiss, who previously worked as an assistant coach for the Springboks under Harry Vilhoen in 2001, stated: 'They will undoubtedly be hungry. They have 10 World Cup winners. This is a big test team. Everyone knows they play three or four people in every position. We know it will be tough this weekend, hard work, but this is our home ground... let's go and see if we can show ourselves.'
This match is scheduled for Sunday to mark exactly one year before the start of the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host. For the Wallabies, this is another opportunity to solidify their position on the path to the tournament.
Kiss added: 'We are trying to do everything right to gradually ensure that we are maximally protected in all aspects to achieve the World Cup. The big picture is always present. Nevertheless, the mantra here and now is strong. The players have done very well with this, which is great.'