South African coach Rassie Erasmus fears a backlash from Australia when the second Test of a Rugby Championship doubleheader begins in Perth next weekend.
The Springboks won their first game in Brisbane since 2013 on Saturday, crushing the Wallabies 33-7 and dominating every aspect of a shell-shocked home side.
It was Australia’s first defeat under new coach Joe Schmidt, who succeeded Eddie Jones after last year’s disastrous World Cup season.
The world’s best team was too big, too strong and too fast for the inferior Australia, but Erasmus said he did not expect South Africa to have it so easy when the two teams meet again next Saturday in Perth.
“Next week is another test and we want to give other players a chance. However, we know Joe Schmidt and know how he can turn things around,” said Erasmus.
“He has only played four games with Australia and next week we have a new game at a new venue and we expect a big challenge.”
What is worrying for Australia is that Erasmus said the Springboks need to improve, particularly in terms of discipline.
Australia’s only try came late in the game after the South Africans were reduced to 13 men and Marco van Staden and Jesse Kriel had been shown yellow cards.
They had previously lost Malcolm Marx to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
“We are satisfied with the performance, but not with the three yellow cards,” said Erasmus.
“We didn’t look after the ball like it was a piece of gold, but at times we played with good structure and intention.
“That’s why we definitely don’t want to throw away points like that.”
– “Long-term plan” –
Schmidt said he would resist calls to bolster his young squad with more overseas-playing players and urged Australian fans to watch the process patiently.
“I think there are people who will improve their performance,” he said.
“It may not improve by next Saturday, but we need to have a somewhat long-term plan.”
Schmidt said South Africa, two-time world champions, had set the benchmark for the Wallabies, who are rebuilding after their first World Cup group stage exit.
“We have a much younger team than the South Africans,” said Schmidt.
“We have far fewer missions, we have far less experience and I am convinced that if we switch back and forth too much, it will be very difficult to strengthen cohesion.
“When you play in a game like this, you’re very dependent on each other and you have to make sure everyone knows their role.”
Schmidt said he expects his players to learn from the experience of a tough defeat.
“I’m a realist,” he said. “I know you can’t suddenly keep up with the guys, challenge them and outperform them, but you have to step up for next week.”
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