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Spies holds no fears for Wallaby eighth man
Wallaby No 8 Ben McCalman is not at all intimidated about the prospect of facing Pierre Spies in Saturday’s Tri-Nations test in Bloemfontein.
“Pierre played his best test (of the year) last week, but I have confidence after playing against him earlier this year,” said McCalman.
He was referring to the Wallabies’ 30-13 win in Brisbane.
McCalman came on as a substitute 10 minutes before the end and helped Will Genia knock the last nail into the coffin of the Springboks’ Tri-Nations title ambitions.
“I got the ball from Will Genia and ran into Spies. I got the better of him in that situation. It was a great moment and made me realise that I want more test rugby. Will scored shortly after that,” he said.
The Wallabies are clinging to the win in Brisbane and the lead that was surrendered at Loftus Versfeld last week as evidence that they have what it takes to beat the Boks in Bloemfontein.
“Everyone is disappointed that we could not convert that lead into a victory last week,” said McCalman.
“The Boks are physical, but the important thing is that we stick to our plan and take the game to them. Hopefully it can work in our favour if we can move those big guys around a bit.”
McCalman, skipper Rocky Elsom and fetcher David Pocock will be involved in an interesting battle of the loose forward combinations with Spies, Juan Smith and Schalk Burger.
Pocock told Sport24 on Thursday that the new application of the breakdown laws are good for the game because it encourages attacking rugby.
He believes there are still opportunities for fetching flanks to win turnover possession.
“You have to be careful about getting involved at the breakdown because you can easily concede a penalty. But I still believe there are plenty of opportunities at the breakdown,” said Pocock.
The Wallaby star expects Heinrich Brüssow to adapt easily when he returns from his knee injury.
“I believe players with that kind of ability will always find a way of doing well. One of the nice things about rugby and all its intricacies is that you always have to think on the field. I believe Brüssow will do well when he returns.”
