The Wallabies are heading into their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa with belief. This is despite Ellis Park\u2019s daunting history and their own lack of experience at the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Few members of the current Australian squad have played at the Johannesburg fortress, where the Wallabies have not tasted victory since 1963. Their last visit was in July 2019, ending in a 35\u201317 defeat to the Springboks. Still, the players are buoyed by the progress shown in their recent series against the British & Irish Lions, particularly in the closing Test. They are eager to build on that momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 29, who has 20 Test caps but has never played in South Africa, fronted the media alongside uncapped scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan. This occurred during the team\u2019s first press conference of the week. Neither had sought advice from teammates with prior Ellis Park experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor us, it\u2019s about knowing our roles and doing our job for the team,\u201d Paenga-Amosa explained. He acknowledged the altitude factor at Ellis Park, describing it as \u201ca bit of a part\u201d in how the game unfolds. However, he said the squad\u2019s early arrival would help them acclimatise. \u201cThe boys are excited to be here,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n