Overview

• The Rugby Championship begins next weekend as Australia takes on defending champions South Africa at Ellis Park, where the Wallabies have not beaten the Springboks since 1963.
• Coach Joe Schmidt has added Will Skelton and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to the touring squad and could welcome Rob Valetini back, even as Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon and Allan Alalatoa remain sidelined.
• Australia sits sixth in the World Rugby rankings, just 0.03 points clear of Argentina, making victories over the Pumas in Townsville and Sydney crucial to preserve their position.
• After the South Africa fixture, the Wallabies will travel to Eden Park for the first Bledisloe Test before concluding their campaign in Perth, where a win could earn valuable ranking points.
• Following a morale-boosting win over the British & Irish Lions, Australia aims to deliver consistent performances to meet the Championship pass mark and secure a favorable 2027 World Cup draw.