Former Wallabies skipper John Eales said the Springboks could take a leaf out of England’s book in persevering with their elder statesmen if they want to build for the World Cup in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Eales also believes Australia are well capable of beating the All Blacks next week.
“I would not be in the sluice room prepping for surgery just yet, but I also would not wait until next year. Ultimately, age is not the measure, effectiveness is. England won the World Cup with an older squad than the Springboks but they were still effective. Nathan Sharpe is the elder statesman of the Wallabies but he is playing superbly. The senior Boks must command similarly if they are to keep the big trophies they hold.
“If the Wallabies replicate both their accuracy and enthusiasm, they can beat the All Blacks next week. When front row forwards are tackling like back-rowers and the big men like Rocky Elsom are claiming territory with the desperation of a prospector seeking fortune in the gold rush, it makes the job of the backs so much easier.”
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