Aussies wary of Bok backrow

– Australia are looking to match the Springboks’ dynamic backrow to claim their first win of this year’s Rugby Championship, skipper Michael Hooper said yesterday.

South Africa are unbeaten in the southern hemisphere championship after home and away wins over Argentina with blindside flanker Siya Kolisi and Jaco Kriel standouts at the back of the scrum.

“We expect them to be very strong over the ball, both of those players (Kriel and Kolisi) are really good carriers and defenders there,” Hooper (above) told reporters ahead of today’s Test in Perth.

Hooper said the Wallabies have their own backrow strike weapon in No 8 Sean McMahon, who was immense in the 35-29 loss to New Zealand in Dunedin a fortnight ago.

“Sean’s strong in the tackle, strong making tackles and he’s good over the ball,” Hooper said.

“It’s nothing new there, just everyone doing their role and particularly Sean can have a massive influence when he gets that right.”

Australian coach Michael Cheika said his forward pack will face a huge physical challenge.

The Wallabies’ scrum looked shaky in their last outing against the All Blacks, prompting Cheika to recall tight-head prop Sekope Kepu for Allan Alaalatoa.

Tatafu Polota-Nau comes in at hooker for the experienced Stephen Moore, while lock Adam Coleman returns from a shoulder injury. – AFP