The senior players within the Wallabies squad are delivering a crash course on what to expect as they prepare for a hostile Pretoria environment against the Springboks on July 9 (AEST time).
With Super Rugby shifting to a Pacific focus, trips to South Africa have become a rarity.
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It means a whole new generation of Wallabies such as Nick Frost, Len Ikitau and Mark Nawaqanitawase have yet to play in the country, almost a third of the squad.
“We’ve had a couple of meetings about (the atmosphere),” prop Allan Alaalatoa said.
“Our leaders have shared their experiences on what it’s like to play in Pretoria or in South Africa with altitude, how they sing the national anthem and everyone gets involved.
“I think it was really good to hear from our experienced players and I think that’s so valuable for some of the young lads who will be feeding off those blokes come the weekend.
“We know there are going to be blokes that will be nervous, some haven’t played in a while or are playing their first game (in South Africa) so we’re trying to nut all that out through the week, put in scenarios about what we’re going to face so we’re ready for it.”
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the winless record at Loftus Versfeld.
For starters, the stadium is located at an altitude of 1,350m above sea level, allowing goal-kickers to slot penalties from well inside their half.
This can be an advantage for the Wallabies, with outside back Reece Hodge possessing one of the biggest boots in World Rugby.
When asked about his max distance, he refused to give an exact answer but he's comfortably clearing 50+ metres in the past.
On top of this, the 51,000-capacity stadium has been sold out for almost two months such was the demand to watch the Springboks-Wallabies fixture.
Hodge played in the last Wallabies game at the ground and was well aware they will enter the ground on Sunday morning (Australian time) outnumbered.
“They’re very loud, parochial,” Hodge remarked on the Pretoria crowd.
“I remember last time in 2016 it was a full house and everyone’s cheering the Springboks on. It really means we have to connect as a group.
“We’re the only Aussies out there and make sure as a squad of 23 and the extended squad are coming together to do whatever we can to combat what’s going to be a hostile atmosphere to play in front of.
“It’s exciting and to have the chance to go to Pretoria and hopefully get a win is something that excites the whole squad.”
Regardless of the challenge, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has drilled belief into the squad, with the players confident of something special.
“I think from our April camp, all Eddie was talking about was belief and that’s all the boys have been talking about since coming back into camp,” back-rower Rob Valetini said.
“All the boys are confident as well. If we don’t believe ourselves then who else is going to believe in us? I think the belief is strong in this team and hopefully, we can play a good game and get the win.”
