Wallabies out to break Cape Town drought

Saturday, 20 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Coach Ewen McKenzie says the Wallabies have “one hand” on the Mandela Challenge Plate but fears the passionate Cape Town crowd could help the Springboks snatch the silverware. Australia edged out the Springboks 24-23 in their first clash of 2014 earlier this month in Perth. But they haven’t defeated the Springboks at Newlands since 1992.

“There’s no question - South Africa is hard to play in South Africa,” McKenzie said on Friday. “Cape Town hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us for a while.” As his injury-hit 28-man squad prepares to fly out on Monday for its two-match Tour of South Africa and Argentina, McKenzie knows he’s got a tough assignment set for the September 27 clash at Newlands. So why do the Wallabies find it so hard to beat the ‘Boks on their home turf? “It’s not an easy question to answer,” McKenzie said. “Each campaign goes there in different circumstances (but) they’re just a hard team to play.” “It’s a major sport for them - if not the number one sport for them. It’s tough.” The long flight and altitude adjustment could also hamper the team’s chances, he added. The squad announced on Wednesday has a fighting chance of walking away from Newlands victorious and planned to do the heavy work needed on home soil before flying out on Monday.