Wallabies coach on ‘intensity’ expected from world champion Springboks

Australia assistant coach Tom Donnelly has likened the intensity of the Springboks to what the Wallabies will experience at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, drawing on the level seen during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series.

South Africa claimed a 3-1 series win against their opponents from New Zealand, which included a Test played in front of more than 68,000 fans in Baltimore. They have since flown from the United States to the east coast of Australia, and will head to Perth later this week.

It renews the rivalry between the Springboks and Wallabies, who split their two matches 1-1 about 13 months ago. The Wallabies completed a remarkable comeback to win at Emirates Airline Park, before going down fighting in Cape Town the following weekend.

But the Springboks remain the top side on the World Rugby rankings, only losing two other Tests since then, and both were to the All Blacks. Before the Boks get the chance to defend their Rugby World Cup crown next year, they are set for another important hit-out in Australia.

“It’s probably the level and the intensity… something we’re probably going to experience at the World Cup next year”, Donnelly told reporters.

“We’ve seen the level of intensity in the Test matches against the All Blacks in the last four games.

“Just that never-relenting pressure that’s going to come with playing the world champions.”

The Wallabies have been dealt a tough blow in the lead-up to the fixture, with Charlie Cale set to spend the rest of the 2026 season on the sidelines. Cale, 25, sustained a shoulder injury in Perth and will now return to Canberra, where he will begin his recover.

Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny has been called into the squad, who are looking to maintain their unbeaten run under coach Les Kiss. The Wallabies have won three and drawn one, but haven’t played now for more than two weeks.

“Pretty disappointed for Charlie. He’s had a very good Super season and then came in, has been really, really good in our environment,” Donnelly said.

“Obviously his speed in the air, his aerial skills are a real strength of his. We’ll lose a little bit of that but at the same time, [Champion] de Crespigny, pretty similar player, very good aerial skills as well and pretty physical.

“Replacing a little bit like-for-like with the guy we’ve brought in but disappointed for Charlie.”