Australia overturned a large South African lead and dominated the final hour to register a comprehensive victory. South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus made ten changes after a side that coughed up a 22-0 lead and conceded 38 unanswered points. Many expect South Africa to reassert dominance in the return Test, but Australia displayed superior fitness, speed and belief. Rob Valetini returns and Brumbies flyer Corey Toole debuts, offering explosive attacking options. Veteran halves James O'Connor and Nic White have ignited the Wallabies' attack, with teammates Len Ikitau and Tom Wright in career-best form. South Africa will trial new combinations across the backline.
But that presumption discounts the brilliance and character of the Australian victory. Full of brio and battle-fit after smashing the Lions in Sydney earlier this month, Joe Schmidt's men dismantled South Africa in the final hour of the first Test. Not only did the Wallabies stay calm to reel in the home side's big lead, they romped away in imperious style, with sidesteps and short balls.
Their most dynamic ball-runner, Rob Valetini, returns and Super Rugby's fastest man, Brumbies flyer Corey Toole, will debut on the wing setting up a tantalising duel with South Africa's own pocket rocket Cheslin Kolbe. Rob Valetini returns to the Wallabies side this weekend. Photograph: Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty Images Toole's time in sevens rugby has given him an ability to improvise akin to Kolbe's.
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