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Cape Town - Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers says Australia will be under just as much pressure as South Africa when they clash in the Rugby Championship on September 10.
While Springbok rugby appears to be in a free fall for the last couple of months, Australia are in a similar position after losing six Tests in a row, starting with last year's World Cup final against New Zealand.
While the Boks managed to just beat Ireland 2-1 in the June Test series, the Wallabies lost their home series to England 3-0 and have subsequently lost back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.
It is because of this that De Villiers believes South Africa have a chance of getting one over Australia when they meet next weekend.
"After their series loss to England and two defeats to New Zealand, Australia are definitely under pressure. They have a big opportunity to win the game in Brisbane, De Villiers told Netwerk24.
"Australia are struggling. It's difficult to say if they are bad at the moment or if New Zealand are just so much better than them. That makes it difficult to say how good a chance we have of beating them, but the tour Down Under will no doubt be very difficult for the Springboks."
In contrast, De Villiers was full of praise for the All Blacks who he says has made their transition look easy after losing a number of star players after the World Cup.
"However, I always have hope for a Springbok team against New Zealand. Even though Graham Henry believes the Boks are starting to lose their fear factor, I don't think the All Blacks will underestimate us," De Villiers said.
"I think they still respect us. Whether or not we can win in New Zealand is another question. But if there is one team who can beat the All Blacks, it's South Africa."
While Springbok rugby appears to be in a free fall for the last couple of months, Australia are in a similar position after losing six Tests in a row, starting with last year's World Cup final against New Zealand.
While the Boks managed to just beat Ireland 2-1 in the June Test series, the Wallabies lost their home series to England 3-0 and have subsequently lost back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.
It is because of this that De Villiers believes South Africa have a chance of getting one over Australia when they meet next weekend.
"After their series loss to England and two defeats to New Zealand, Australia are definitely under pressure. They have a big opportunity to win the game in Brisbane, De Villiers told Netwerk24.
"Australia are struggling. It's difficult to say if they are bad at the moment or if New Zealand are just so much better than them. That makes it difficult to say how good a chance we have of beating them, but the tour Down Under will no doubt be very difficult for the Springboks."
In contrast, De Villiers was full of praise for the All Blacks who he says has made their transition look easy after losing a number of star players after the World Cup.
"However, I always have hope for a Springbok team against New Zealand. Even though Graham Henry believes the Boks are starting to lose their fear factor, I don't think the All Blacks will underestimate us," De Villiers said.
"I think they still respect us. Whether or not we can win in New Zealand is another question. But if there is one team who can beat the All Blacks, it's South Africa."
