Erasmus expects ‘big challenge’ from wounded Wallabies in Perth

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BRISBANE – South African coach Rassie Erasmus is wary of an Australia backlash when the second Test of a Rugby Championship double-header kicks off in Perth next weekend.
The Springboks won their first match in Brisbane since 2013 on Saturday, destroying the Wallabies 33-7 and dominating all aspects against a shell-shocked home side.
It was Australia’s first defeat under new coach Joe Schmidt, who took over from Eddie Jones after last year’s disastrous World Cup campaign.
The world’s top-ranked side were too big, too strong and too fast for an outclassed Australia, but Erasmus said he was not expecting South Africa to have it as easy when the two sides collide again in Perth next Saturday.
“Next week is a new Test and we want to give other players a chance but, that said, we know Joe Schmidt and how he can turn things around,” Erasmus said.
“He’s only had four games with Australia, and next week is a new game and a new venue, and we are expecting a big challenge.”
Ominously for Australia, Erasmus said the Springboks had room to improve, especially on their discipline.
Australia’s only try was scored late in the game after the South Africans had been reduced to 13 men with Marco van Staden and Jesse Kriel shown yellow cards.
They earlier had lost Malcolm Marx to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
“We are happy with the performance, but not the three yellow cards,” Erasmus said.
“We also didn’t cherish the ball and look after it like a piece of gold, but at times we played with good structure and intent.
“So, we certainly don’t want to throw points away like that.”
 
– ‘Long-term plan’ –
 
Schmidt said he would resist calls to call on more overseas-based players to bolster his young squad, telling Australian fans to be patient with the process.
“I think there’s guys who will improve what they’re delivering,” he said.
“Maybe it won’t be improved in time for next Saturday, but we do have to have a bit of a long-term plan.”
Schmidt said back-to-back world champions South Africa had set the benchmark for the Wallabies, who are rebuilding after a World Cup exit at the pool stage for the first time.
“We have got a much younger side than the South Africans,” said Schmidt.
“We’ve got a lot less caps, we’ve got a lot less experience and my belief is if we chop and change too much then it’s very hard to grow the cohesion.
“When you go out in a game like that you are very inter-dependent and you’re going to have to make sure that everyone knows their role.”
Schmidt said he would expect his players to learn from the experience of a heavy defeat.
“I am a realist,” he said. “I know that you don’t suddenly match up, front up and better those guys, but you’ve got to better yourself for next week.”
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AFP