[1] Robbie Deans Robbie Deans' Wallabies will either come of age or be beaten by it in the glamour World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington tomorrow night.
A tumultuous four-year build-up has been aimed at a moment like this, where the dramatic rebuilding and systems put in place by the former Crusaders maestro will either succumb to the Springboks' superior experience and power or be lauded as the foothill of new Wallaby success.
The sun finally broke through in Wellington yesterday after days of wind, chill and rain.
Conventional wisdom would have fine weather and a hard track favouring the greater athleticism of the Australian forwards and their quick and skilful backs over the power and willpower of the veteran Springboks.
Deans named a largely predictable line-up, although Dan Vickerman has held his place at lock, whereas South Africa - publicly at least - predicted a Nathan Sharpe return.
The 'Boks claim Sharpe is the best in the world at competing with lineout ace Victor Matfield. Scott Higginbotham, who can add much-needed aggression, is out of favour and off the bench.
The limited midfield strongman Pat McCabe, returning from a shoulder injury, keeps Berrick Barnes on the bench - the tactically strong and clever Barnes is part of a reserve back division heavy on inside backs and lacking wide running impact.
That, ironically, is where the Springboks have an edge.
Francois Hougaard and Gio Aplon are sparky runners.
The battle at the breakdown has dominated the talk all week and Australia will rely almost exclusively on the expertise of David Pocock.
The Springboks have an ace of their own in Heinrich Brussow, while reserve Francois Louw is a turnover merchant and Schalk Burger played openside from 2004 to 2007.
As Pocock said this week, the fetcher's art involves deciding when to spend energy going for the ball, reading the referees, knowing when to back away from a penalty risk, and picking the time to instead set up for other opportunities or tasks.
In goalkicking, Morne Steyn should hold a significant edge over Australia.
South Africa captain Smit will attempt to dictate terms, tying Australia up in exhausting knots. Expect scrum resets and injury breaks, many of them genuine in this heavyweight clash. No surprise, either, if Steyn launches a drop kick the first time he gets in range.
Australia has the backs to floor the 'Boks but it is unlikely to get many chances. - The New Zealand Herald
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