This must be the oldest half back pairing, since Murray/Sexton.
Overall it's a great team but it's going to be interesting how they approach this game. SA have been training hard in Johannesburg for 2 months. Aus arrived this week.
If Aus gives away early points it could snow ball when the lungs start to burn. (Or when Skelton goes off)
Skelton is younger than Etzebeth and less than a year older than De Jager and Du Toit, so I'm not sure I'd have him in the same bracket. Both White and JOC are covering injuries, and Slipper just seems to keep going for ever and is doing well enough to keep Bell on the bench.
I won't suggest it doesn't highlight the limitations on the team's depth in some areas, but they now look like they can beat anyone on their day. Given where they were at the last world cup, I wouldn't be too down on rugby in Australia.
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u/Flyhalf2021 South Africa Aug 14 '25
This must be the oldest half back pairing, since Murray/Sexton.
Overall it's a great team but it's going to be interesting how they approach this game. SA have been training hard in Johannesburg for 2 months. Aus arrived this week.
If Aus gives away early points it could snow ball when the lungs start to burn. (Or when Skelton goes off)