Old head Waugh embarks on new campaign

Phil Waugh may well have edged ahead of George Smith for the Wallabies number seven jersey after a superb display against France a fortnight ago.

Phil Waugh may well have edged ahead of George Smith for the Wallabies number seven jersey after a superb display against France a fortnight ago.

He would thus line up for Australia in their Tri-Nations opener next Saturday, against a resurgent South Africa team in Perth, where there are enough South African ex-pats for one Australian newspaper to dub the Subiaco Oval as 'virtual neutral territory'.

But Waugh can't wait, virtual neutral crowd or not.

“All the guys enjoy coming over to Perth, so it's good to be here for a week and with the Irish and French Tests behind us. Everyone loves playing in the Tri Nations against the Springboks and All Blacks. The guys are very excited about getting it underway,” Waugh said on arrival in Perth after a long flight from Sydney, to the AAP.

“I'm reasonably happy with my own form and the team is progressing reasonably well too, but the real challenge is ahead of us.

“We are certainly not under the illusion that we are playing fantastic rugby and we know that we will have more of an understanding come Saturday night of exactly where we are at.”

With South Africa bursting in confidence, and Australia still getting used to life under Robbie Deans after only two Test matches against a weak France team behind them, the visitors may even enjoy favourite status going into the match.

It will also be the Wallabies' first Test under the ELVs, although they are coached by the only of the three coaches with practical ELV experience under his belt.

“It's huge,” continued Waugh.

“Them coming off the back end of two big games against the All Blacks will certainly have them up for one last big effort before going home, so it's going to be a big lift in intensity for us,” he said.

“They've made a few changes, but still have the nucleus of that World Cup squad and they are also an experienced team under pressure, which is important in big games like we will have on Saturday night.

“But I think we're ready. Everyone is excited about getting into the Tri-Nations and back into the ELVs, which is different in game speed and all the guys are looking forward to that.

“It might take a little getting used to again, but the biggest difference is that the ball is in play a lot longer and it tests your fitness more.

“South Africa could have a bit of an edge on us there having played two games under the ELVs while we are coming fresh off the old laws, but we still had a full season of them so we should be ready. They speed the game up and you find there's more space for guys to utilise, so it was a great move for the game. Judging by the first two Tri-Nations matches, the quality is very good.”