Boks will be massive challenge, says new Wallabies coach
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is preparing for his first Tests in charge of the Australian national team.
The former coach of Ireland succeeded Eddie Jones, who won just two from nine Tests and failed to steer Australia into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
The Aussies will host Wales and Georgia in July before turning their attention to the Rugby Championship, with two home games against South Africa.
Schmidt says the Springboks will be a massive challenge.
“They are just so difficult to break down. They stay in the game so well. They are incredibly physical. They tend to try and suffocate you, really strong set piece.
“They have some really big men, but they have got some really gifted players as well, with guys like Cheslin Kolbe, (Kurt-Lee) Arendse. Some of those real whippets and some of the skill they have.”
Ahead of the Rugby Championship, the Rugby World Cup champions will take on Ireland at Loftus and Kings Park.
It will be the reigning Six Nations champions’ first visit to South Africa in eight years.
A week later, the Springboks will play their maiden Test against Portugal.
