Buoyant Boks out to buck trend

How realistic a chance the Springbok rugby team have of pushing for the Rugby Championship title this season will be answered in Perth today.

The Springboks, who top this year’s campaign on nine points – marginally ahead of the All Blacks by virtue of a superior points difference – face the Wallabies at noon today.

Having eased past Argentina both home and away in their opening two Rugby Championship matches, this will be their biggest test.

Having also whitewashed an underwhelming French side at home in the June Tests, this will be their toughest match of the year. In 2017, the Springboks have been solid, not flamboyant.

They have been consistent, not flashy. If they are to beat the Wallabies Down Under for the first time since 2013, they’ll have to be on top of their game.

After a disastrous performance against the All Blacks in their opener in Sydney last month, Australia came within a few minutes of shocking the world champion All Blacks in Dunedin two weeks ago. A lastgasp Beauden Barrett try was all that stood in their way.

They’ll be buoyed by that performance. The Springboks tend to lose in Australia and the Wallabies tend to lose the return fixture in South Africa. Can the Boks buck the trend today?