Key players to watch: South Africa vs. Australia

Posted by Dmitriy P.

For South Africa: There can be very little doubt that Ruan Pienaar displays an old-school class that is too rarely seen in the modern game. He takes gaps and puts others in gaps, ever creating time and space for those around him. It is his first start for the Springboks, and he may just be the difference between the teams. For Australia: In the end, all eyes will be on one of the best players in world rugby, inside centre Matt Giteau. His scent for the gap, and his explosive speed can energise the Wallaby backline into producing something that is special and match-winning. Head to head: There are two intriguing battles that are going to be crucial to the outcome of the game. Will Matt Dunning (Australia) be able to hold out BJ Botha (South Africa) in the scrum? If he does that will negate a key Springbok strength. And how will the Jean de Villiers/Jaque Fourie (South Africa) combination fare in the midfield against Stirling Mortlock and Matt Giteau (Australia)? Both centre pairings are incisive, and the winner of the match might be the team whose centres can both keep out their opposition, and score a few tries in return. By: Chris Waldburger of Planet Rugby