‘There is huge abuse’: Poidevin wants Wallabies to embrace wild Pretoria crowd

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Johannesburg: Wallabies great Simon Poidevin has implored Australia to embrace the abuse that will greet them in Pretoria this week and show the Australian sporting public that the men in gold mean business in a World Cup year.

It comes as Poidevin backed Michael Hooper to wear the No.7 jersey and Jed Holloway to play at No.6 in Eddie Jones’ first Test match in charge during his second stint as Wallabies boss.

The Wallabies haven’t played a Test in South Africa since 2019 due to the pandemic and a new Rugby Championship format.

They also haven’t beaten the Springboks in South Africa since 2010.

Should the Wallabies manage a win on Saturday, it would be their first at Loftus Versfeld Stadium since the teams first squared off in 1963.

Poidevin, a member of Australia’s 1991 World Cup-winning team, says the Wallabies will be walking into a sea of rabid Springboks fans at a sold-out stadium.

Eddie Jones watches on at Wallabies training this week in South Africa. Credit: Getty

“In the cauldron of Loftus Versfeld, you just have to remain calm and super killer-focused in that atmosphere,” Poidevin said. “There is huge abuse that comes from the crowd to the players. That’s the Afrikaans way. We all accept that the crowd will try and rattle the players. The players who can push through that and really enjoy that atmosphere will thrive. Embrace the challenge.”

Only two current Wallabies — Quade Cooper and James Slipper — have beaten the Springboks in South Africa. That memorable day in Australian rugby history took place 13 years ago when Kurtley Beale kicked a 50-metre penalty to seal the famous 41-39 win in Bloemfontein that broke a 47-year losing streak on the Highveld.

“They’re very loud and parochial,” said Wallabies back Reece Hodge. “It means we’ve got to connect as a group given we’re the only Aussies out there.”

Forward Rob Valetini added: “I haven’t experienced it yet. The boys have been saying Pretoria is a tough place to play. No Wallabies team has won there yet.”

Kurtley Beale after kicking a match-winning penalty goal in 2010 against the Springboks. Credit: Getty

Poidevin knows the Australian rugby public will demand excellence from the Wallabies and they must rise to the occasion.

“You might say there’s nothing to lose, but there are big expectations from the rugby public now and the other codes as well to see how Eddie goes,” Poidevin said. “People want to see whether the publicity he’s brought off the field will translate on the field. There’s no harder place for that than Pretoria.

“He’s come back in and brought massive energy into Australian rugby. They’re playing for a lot.”

Poidevin expects Jones to select a big tight-five and a versatile back row featuring Holloway, the Waratahs veteran, at No.6.

Former Wallaby Simon Poidevin. Credit: Peter Rae

As for Hooper — the newly named Wallabies co-captain — Poidevin says he deserves the gold No.7 jersey, despite a view in Queensland that Reds youngster Fraser McReight should be starting.

Jones names his team on Thursday.

“Eddie coming back as coach I think has given Michael Hooper an energy boost,” Poidevin said. “He wants to be part of it. Hooper has played a long time at the highest level. It’s not as though he’s fading.

“Hooper’s career is just so distinguished. He’s still as driven, still as fit and probably stronger than he’s ever been.

“The starting back row would be Holloway, Hooper and Valetini. I think Jed Holloway has been one of the form players of Australian rugby this year and he can play No.6 very easily. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays Holloway at six to provide some extra lineout pressure in Pretoria.

“The way the game is played now — and especially playing South Africa in South Africa at altitude — he’s going to go for a big tight-five. I wouldn’t be surprised if Will Skelton and Richie Arnold start. I think James Slipper, Dave Porecki and Allan Alaalatoa will all be there.

“My guess is that he’ll start Quade Cooper at No.10 in that environment. I think Carter Gordon has the job off the bench and would revel in that stadium. It’s a tense place. The crowd is right on top of you and it’s going to be very noisy. You need a guy like Quade to run off the back of that big forward pack.”

After South Africa, the Wallabies travel to Sydney for a Test against Argentina, before back-to-back Bledisloe Cup fixtures against the All Blacks on July 29 and August 5.

Possible Wallabies team (1-15): James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa, Will Skelton, Richie Arnold, Jed Holloway Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Len Ikitau, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tom Wright.
Bench: Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge.

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