VIDEO: Brisbane a big Bok bogey
WATCH as Australian fullback Israel Folau attempts to explain why South Africa struggle to win in Brisbane.
Since re-admission to the international fold in 1992, the Springboks have only once won a Test in Brisbane – a 38-12 triumph in 2013.
In the 10 other encounters in the East Coast city, the Wallabies have triumphed – including a record 49-0 victory in 2006.
Wallaby fullback Israel Folau, who rates himself a 50-50 chance of playing in their crucial Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday, said Suncorp – better known as Lang Park – is a “great” stadium to play in.
The Wallabies, who are coming off back-to-back Bledisloe Cup defeats to New Zealand, said the Wallabies are working hard to keep their impressive record against the South Africans intact.
While things haven’t gone their way in the Rugby Championship so far, they have an advantage in terms of a venue where they enjoy playing.
“We’ve had some really good games here at Suncorp [stadium] in the past,” the No.15 said, adding: “We have to turn up and deliver, to get the result we want.”
He hinted that they will decide, during the game, if they should dust off their kicking game against the Boks – given that their attack has not been that good in the Rugby Championship.
There is a perception that the Boks are vulnerable against a kicking game and if Folau is cleared to play, he will no doubt back himself against the less skilled and smaller South African back-three.
“We can use that tactic [kicking] when the opportunity presents itself,” he said.
“Going into a week, if you want to use that tactic a lot more, there will be a fair bit emphasis on that [during training].
“It is something that we have in our armoury we can use, if the opportunity presents itself.
“We haven’t used it much in the last few weeks, but we encourage the guys to executive those skills when the opportunity presents itself.”
Folau suffered an ankle injury as Australia lost 13-38 to New Zealand in the first match of the Championship and missed the return match, which New Zealand won 40-12.
The Wallabies are currently last in the Championship and would welcome the return of Folau for Saturday’s clash with the Springboks, who split a two-match series against Argentina.
Folau will Test his ankle in training this week but isn’t confident of his fitness.
“It’s coming along well,” Folau said.
“I’ve been doing my rehab over the last couple of weeks.
“It’s progressing well and we will just take it day by day and then see where it goes from there.
“It’s good to be back in camp with the boys and back in the environment.
“At this stage, I’d probably say it’s a 50-50. Only had one run and that was on Friday. I guess I’ll know more as the week goes on.”
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