The Wallabies couldn’t ask for a much tougher opening 2019 Test than facing the Springboks at Ellis Park - just ask Stirling Mortlock.
Mortlock was the Wallabies captain when Australia last played at the Johannesburg stadium in a 53-8 loss in 2008 that he rates as one of his toughest matches as skipper.
The Wallabies haven’t tasted victory in Johannesburg since 1963, losing their past six matches there including that match 11 years ago.
Their most recent match was the biggest defeat, with the Aussies scoring just one try and one penalty in a game where they simply couldn’t get a foothold.
This loss was a reality check for a Wallabies side coming to Johannesburg off a surprise win in Durban and blooding some less experienced faces including dual international Timana Tahu.
“To actually think about that day in 2008...it was just a perfect day for them,” he said.
“The week before in Durban, we had a fantastic game and a number of changes were made from the week prior to give guys opportunities but the reality was South Africa had a point to prove because we stung them the week before.
“They started off absolutely on fire and they just grew another leg from there onwards and they definitely targeted a few of our guys that were a little bit less experienced to stop our momentum.
“It was a tough day at the office, probably one of my toughest.”
Mortlock said there was a sense that the stadium held an extra significance for South Africa, adding to the existing challenge for visitors of adjusting to altitude.
“I think it’s the Springboks’ spiritual home and they get a huge lift out of playing there, as well as the altitude making it a bit more difficult,” he said.
“The Springbok crowd is extremely parochial and they really go hard on supporting their team.
“They’re not quite hostile, but they are very vocal and they love seeing their Boks dominate, throw that into the mix taking them to Ellis park is always a challenge.”
Mortlock said the Wallabies’ move to spend an extra week in Africa heading into the Test would be a beneficial change.
It's a move the Aussies rarely have the opportunity for but with a shortened Rugby Championship and a one-off South Africa Test ahead of the World Cup, the squad travelled to Africa a week earlier than usual.
“It’s pleasing they’ve gone over early and have the luxury of spending some extra time there, it’s the first time in a long long time prepared at altitude,” Mortolock said.
“You need to have that 10 days or so at altitude to give you a benefit, we never had that luxury of doing that so hopefully they’ll be physiologically ready at altitude.
“There seems to have been plenty of thought and preparation put into this first Test match.”
Coming off one of their leanest years on record, a win for the Wallabies at a South African cauldron would be a strong start with the World Cup looming.
Mortlock said a positive showing in Johannesburg was vital for the Wallabies but stopped short of saying a win was the only option.
“It’s a huge year and I guess probably more due to the fact it’s been such a tumultuous year in Australian rugby, with new coaching personnel as well as a new-look team, but a component this is the Wallabies need to stamp their authority and get some ascendancy leading into the World Cup,” he said.
“It’s critical for the team - it’s not critical to win to get the benefit but more critical to get their systems and how they play, combinations, nuts and bolts.
“If they do that and don’t get a result that’s not the end of the world but if they’re not cohesive in the key facets of the game and don’t put in a good showing that’s far from ideal in this year.”
The Wallabies take on the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday July 20 local time, kicking off at 5:05pm local, Sunday 1:05am AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports.
