Overview

• Former Wallaby Matt To’omua has urged Joe Schmidt to rest key starters against the Springboks and focus on more winnable fixtures later in the tournament.
• Australia arrived in Johannesburg with just a week’s preparation after the Lions series while their rivals had wrapped up tests weeks earlier.
• Bookmakers rate the Wallabies as 18-point outsiders for the Ellis Park opener, a venue where they haven’t won since 1963.
• Schmidt is set to name his matchday 23 tonight, with James O’Connor expected to start at flyhalf in place of the injured Tom Lynagh.
• Rob Valetini could be held out of Saturday’s test to ensure full fitness for the second Rugby Championship match in Cape Town.