Reality check in the mail for Wallabies with scary Springboks up next

September 14, 2026 — 5:22am

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The Wallabies will be quietly hoping the brutal four-Test series between the Springboks and All Blacks has left both sides battered and bruised.

Australia play South Africa in Perth, on September 27, and based on what we witnessed in the Greatest Rugby Rivalry, some fatigue in the legs and minds of the Bokke will be needed for the Wallabies to match them. It will be a major step up from Les Kiss’ first four games in charge.

South Africa were scarily good in beating the All Blacks 3-1 in the series, and they are now the red-hot favourite to win a third straight Rugby World Cup next year.

The All Blacks were strong as well, but the Springboks physically dominated them, both in the set-pieces and in collisions. Throw in electric players such as Kurt-Lee Arendse on counter, and Malcolm Marx’s on-ball pestilence, and the Boks are a complete side.

Will they be knackered? Sadly for Aussie fans, probably not. Rassie Erasmus’ squad also has ridiculous depth, and they’re using their pitstop on the NSW Central Coast this week to rest up.

Super Hooper still on the scene

Les Kiss will........

© The Age