Springboks brace for battle against Wallabies

JOHANNESBURG - The Springboks will kick off their international season with a tricky Rugby Championship Test against Australia at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld.

This year's Rugby Championship has been shortened due to the World Cup which has created a logistical nightmare for the Springboks who have had to split their squad in two for the Tests against the Wallabies at home and against the All Blacks in New Zealand next week.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has worked in the local game in the past and the Springboks have recently come up against him when they've played England.

His tactical brilliance has the Boks on their toes ahead of the game against the Wallabies.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies expect a physical duel when they front up to the Springboks.

Co-captain James Slipper will be in the eye of that storm at loosehead prop.

Slipper, who had been an injury doubt for the game, relishes the battle against the Bok pack, especially Frans Malherbe.