Five storylines to follow ahead of the Rugby Championship clash between South Africa and Australia

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Rugby Championship_ Springboks v Wallabies, split with Jacques Nienaber and Eddie Jones

The opening round of the Rugby Championship finally arrives this weekend after much build-up in what is sure to be a spectacular tournament.

The first clash of the shortened southern hemisphere’s premier tournament sees the Wallabies travel to Pretoria to face the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

Ahead of the intriguing battle, Planet Rugby has selected five storylines to follow.

Will the split-squad pay off for the Springboks?

Splitting squads for the first two Rugby Championship fixtures bleeds nostalgia from the glory of 2019 for the Springboks, and their management will be hoping the same results come from it.

It is not a direct split between the first and second string but rather a blend between the group currently in South Africa and the players heading to New Zealand. This weekend’s team sees a very established front-row as well as several first-choice players dotted throughout such as Pieter-Steph du Toit and Lukhanyo Am, while fringe players like Jesse Kriel and Jean-Luc du Preez are on their way to New Zealand.

The Springbok management has denied that the selection decision is disrespectful to Australia but rather the best way to win the tournament. From a results standpoint it is either a masterclass or disaster class but head coach Jacques Nienaber will not see it that way as he gets good answers regardless.

Opportunities aplenty for Springbok fringe players

From a player’s standpoint, the split squads is a dream. For fringe members to get a run in a high-profile Test match in a World Cup year is the ideal opportunity to stake a claim for a ticket to France.

In the pack, there is Jean Kleyn, who is set to become a dual international and has a serious chance to go to the global showpiece. Siya Kolisi’s injury means Marco van Staden is possibly back in the mix. The skipper is set to recover in time but the Bull will understand the value of being ready, while veteran Duane Vermeulen could do with some Test minutes.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach is one of many talented scrum-halves trying to stake a claim. Manie Libbok’s importance has grown through Handre Pollard’s injury and he needs quality time in the saddle. Andre Esterhuizen is desperate to go to the World Cup and has a chance to prove himself this weekend. The two Bulls wings, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, also have the shot to prove their growth.

The bench has even more stars who may just sneak in from Thomas du Toit to Evan Roos and Grant Williams. It certainly is not the most powerful Springbok line-up but it is extremely exciting and underlines the sheer depth at Nienaber’s disposal.

A first look at Eddie Jones’ Wallabies

Another intriguing twist to this battle is the rugby world’s first look at Eddie Jones’ Wallabies. The veteran coach returned to the helm of the country for his second stint at the beginning of the year.

The Wallabies produced a poor 38% win rate under Dave Rennie and Rugby Australia looked to one of the few coaches in the game who can turn a team’s fortunes around quickly.

It is difficult to say what to expect but what is certain is that there will be a tougher, grittier edge to the Wallabies who clearly do have the talent. Set-piece will be a greater focus and an improved kicking strategy.

Brutal battle loading

Part of Jones’ obvious focal points is improved physicality. Bigger, powerful teams have dominated Test rugby recently with the likes of the Springboks, France and Ireland putting together some impressive forward packs.

Jones has called on the likes of Will Skelton to beef up his pack alongside fellow powerhouse Taniela Tupou. It will make for a titanic battle, particularly against the Springboks who rely on this facet of the game so much, regardless of selection.

With the Springboks having selected a 6-2 split on the bench it will be interesting to see what Jones decides to do with his selection.

Can the Wallabies break their Loftus Versfeld hoodoo?

Travelling to South Africa for a Test match is a difficult task, particularly if the clash is on the Highveld. Australia have had a torrid time at Loftus Versfeld, boasting no wins from seven Tests dating back to 1963.

The altitude truly does matter with the ball flying further and less oxygen to fund those energy-sapping phases. However, Jones is a master of the mindset and has clearly been working on the narrative of creating history as that has flooded into the press from the Wallabies camp in the build-up.

Jones will be telling his side to look at the Springboks line-up and smell blood. He will want them to be ruthless and driven. It all makes for the most fascinating of clashes to begin the Rugby Championship.

READ MORE: Winners and losers from the Springboks team to face the Wallabies

Australia Eddie Jones

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