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We’re live from Perth for the third round of the Rugby Championship! This is a massive game for both the Wallabies and the Springboks, with the home side desperate to get the game back on track in Australia. The Springboks are perfect this year so far, after a horror last couple of seasons. Follow all the action, stats and commentary in our Live Match Centre here.
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GAME NOTES
I wrote a preview for this test that covers much of the off-field drama that’s making it such a big deal, have a read here. However, there’s a few more on-field match ups that add to the hype.
- Michael Hooper needs to lead from the front again. The Wallaby captain was outstanding in Dunedin, scoring a try and almost playing a part in a fantastic win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23YHpY0vj1M
- The Springboks need to reverse recent history. The Wallabies have won seven of their last eight games against the Boks in Australia.
- Handre Pollard is back and could play a crucial role in the outcome of this game. The cool hand from Northern Transvaal has been eased back onto the Bok bench for this match, and they can certainly count on his goal kicking in the dying stages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JJ2UNbVZyk
- In fact, both benches are up for a big moment of truth tonight. The Wallabies looked to have snatched victory two weeks ago in Dunedin, but their relief column couldn’t close out the kickoff. The Boks haven’t been troubled so far in their five test victories in 2017.
