VIDEO: Wallabies paying school fees in Pretoria
The Loftus Versfeld factor is playing heavily on the minds of the Australia players, but they are leaving no stone unturned in efforts to secure their firs-ever win over the Springboks at the iconic Pretoria venue.
South Africa host Australia in the opening round of the abbreviated 2023 Rugby Championship, at a venue where the Wallabies have never won before.
And just seven of the 34-strong Wallaby touring squad, as well as centre Samu Kerevi, who has travelled to Pretoria in the rehab group, were part of Australia’s last Test in South Africa in 2019.
Some of the current crop have never previously even been to South Africa, given New Zealand’s decision to kick South Africa out of Super Rugby during the #COVID shut-down period in 2020.
However, seasoned prop Allan Alaalatoa said the senior players have addressed the enormity of the challenge in a series of team meetings.
“We have had a couple of meetings about that,” he said of lack of ‘experience’ of South African conditions – especially playing at Fort Loftus.
“Our leaders have shared their experiences about what it is like playing in Pretoria and in South Africa, at altitude.”
He said even the singing of the national anthem could be intimidating for the uninitiated.
“It was really good to hear from our experienced players and it is valuable to the younger players, who will be feeding off those blokes this coming Saturday.”
He admitted nerves will play a role – with some of the younger players and guys who haven’t played a while.
(WATCH as seasoned prop Allan Alaalatoa explains how they are going to calm the nerves of players who have never faced a hostile Loftus Versfeld crowd before…)
“We are trying to nut that out,” Alaalatoa said about ‘finding answers’ to those tricky posers.
“We are creating scenarios throughout the week on what we are going to face.
“When it comes we’ll be ready for it.”
The seasoned front row forward added that there is excitement’ in the camp, despite the enormity of the challenge at hand.
“Being a part of the first team to beat South Africa in Pretoria, would be awesome and a memory that we will remember forever.
“We’ve spoken about that, having that belief, and what underlines that is making sure that we’re doing everything necessary through our day-to-day and getting our process right throughout the week.
“The connection between the players and the coaching staff has been awesome so we’re in a good state.”
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