READY TO ROCK THE WALLABIES

TOM BANKS

There will be pressure aplenty on the young Brumbies man, coming in at fullback and taking the place so long occupied by Israel Folau, who’s been axed from the Wallabies set-up. But if there’s one thing that the 25-year-old has it is talent and he’ll be keen to show his countrymen they need not worry that there’s a change at 15. Banks is full of running, has pace to burn and brings an X-factor to his team’s back division. A good reader of the game, he’s a player who’ll be brimming with confidence and belief.

TEVITA KURIDRANI

The big outside centre, like many of his Brumbies teammates, goes into this match having enjoyed a fruitful Super Rugby campaign. He’s a big, heavy man and together with Samu Kerevi he’s sure to keep the Bok defenders on their toes. A powerful strike-runner, who runs good angles, he knows his way to the tryline, but he’s also got good hands and distribution skills which make him a very dangerous opponent. If he and his fellow backs click, then the Wallabies could put on an awesome display of attacking rugby.

MICHAEL HOOPER

The Wallabies flanker and captain, like Stephen Moore before him, rarely walks off the field without a new battle scar or dried blood somewhere on his face. He is a man who leads by example and really gets stuck into everything he does; he’s a wholehearted rugby player and a man the Boks will take a lot of notice of. This weekend he’ll be hunting on his own (in the absence of David Pocock), but expect a big showing from another quality Aussie opensider; you’ll see the No 7 on his back all over Ellis Park.