Jake White believes Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is giving the Wallabies the respect they deserve.

Writing in his RugbyPass column, the former Bok coach described Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park as a “pivotal Test” that will set the tone for the next two years.

“The Lions series could be worth 5-10 points to the Wallabies but playing at altitude, they’ll need it. Historically, the odds aren’t in their favour. Mark my words, it will be one of [coach] Joe Schmidt’s greatest victories if he turns the Boks over in their own backyard,” said White.

“It’s no secret the Wallabies have been in the doldrums for the last few years. They haven’t come close to getting the consistent run of results they need, but now they’ve eked out a creditable Test win against the Lions and had an unlucky loss where they had reason to feel hard done by.”

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White does not expect the Boks to underestimate their opponents.

“The fact that Rassie brought them back from their holidays a week early suggests he has seen something from the Wallabies. Something which merits close attention. It’s a sign Rassie is taking the Test seriously, which is a feather in the cap for Joe.

“Rassie isn’t naive enough to think that they won’t be battle-hardened from the intensity of the Lions Tests. Compare that to the Springboks who have faced the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia. The run-in for both teams is chalk and cheese.”

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The Wallabies have made just one change to the starting XV that beat the Lions in Sydney, with James O’Connor replacing Tom Lynagh – still recovering from a concussion – at flyhalf.

White said that while the selection raised eyebrows, “on closer inspection, it makes total sense. He has played in a Crusaders team that won Super Rugby Pacific, so he has the confidence of a winner. He’s also massively experienced and knows the South African psyche.

“Joe Schmidt will have had his moles reporting back from New Zealand, don’t you worry. O’Connor’s selection isn’t a gamble in my eyes.”

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