Wallabies won’t underestimate a South African side missing a host of stars

South Africa’s depth of talent should ensure that even a Springboks side missing several of its best players will be tough for the Wallabies to beat.

Reece Hodge has praised the depth of South Africa’s rugby talent. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

South Africa’s “luxury” of having extreme depth in every position has the Wallabies prepared for a tough battle against what is regarded as an understrength Springboks side in this weekend’s Rugby Championship clash in Pretoria.

Wanting to give themselves the “best possible chance” of not only beating Australia on Sunday morning (AEST) but also tasting success against New Zealand on Saturday week, the South Africans have already sent 13 players to Auckland to prepare for their battle with the All Blacks.

“Our plan from the outset was to select a squad that we believe has what it takes to beat Australia while at the same time selecting a group of players that could travel to New Zealand to give us the best possible chance to do well in both matches,” Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said.

“This squad features several Rugby World Cup winners and a crop of younger players who have done the job for us at the highest level, and judging by their enthusiasm and high work ethic at training, we know they are the right players for this big task.”

Reece Hodge and the Wallabies are ready for a tough battle in Pretoria. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge dismissed suggestions that the his side was feeling disrespected by the Springboks’ decision to send most of their best players early to New Zealand.

“They have the luxury of four, five or six guys in (each) position that can step up to the rigours of Test footy,” Hodge said.

“We’re expecting a tough battle. They’ve named a very strong side. They’re going to come out firing in their first home Test of the year.

“We don’t really expect too much difference in terms of (South Africa’s) selection. It’s a very high-quality team and it’s going to be a massive Test for us, but we’re just focusing more on ourselves and how we’re preparing for the weekend.

“Hopefully, if we can execute our game plan, it’ll go a long way (towards) getting us the result.”

It is bound to be a well-detailed game plan under Eddie Jones, who will take charge of his first Test since being appointed Wallabies coach for a second time in January.

“One thing that Eddie has brought in is a lot of detail,” Hodge said.

“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve come across. He (has been) very meticulous in the preparations, both in the last few weeks of our (training) camp and also (this week) leading into the first Test.

“He’s pretty impressive and all the assistants as well have been working very hard to prepare for this first game and rest of the campaign.

“It’s been a good environment to be a part of.”