Bok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen bracing for well-prepared Wallabies

Vermeulen refused to entertain critics, who allegedly claim that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus's 13 changes to the starting team for the match was a sign of disrespect to the Wallabies.

"No one plays this game to lose, so anyone who talks about losing is making a strange statement," said the former Springbok No 8.

"The big thing is that Australia had a good opportunity with RGR to prepare for the Boks, and after this match, they play the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand, so they've had a nice chance to take a good look at both teams and work out how they want to play against us, and also the Kiwis.

"They'll definitely go into this game with a proper plan. From our side, we've just come off the Greatest Rivalry series and yes, we are making a few changes, but the guys understand their roles, so everyone knows exactly what to do and when.

"At the beginning of the year Rassie said everyone would get an opportunity to play, and this is a testament to him staying true to his word, so hopefully the guys take the opportunity and show us what they've got."

Vermeulen shot down suggestions that the Springboks will "fall flat" after facing the All Blacks before taking on the Wallabies: "That may be your perspective, but it's not as if we go into a Wallabies Test and say, â˜let's just throw the ball around and have fun because it's not the All Blacks'.

"They are a tier-one nation, who are a team on the rise, and they are playing really well, so we've been preparing hard. The time since the Baltimore Test was not a break. It was a case of giving the guys time to run through their plays and understand their roles. They will be up for it, and we are looking forward to it as well."

The double Rugby World Cup winner echoed sentiments that the Australian forward pack is a big weapon for their team, and he expected a massive battle on Sunday.

"The big thing about the Australian side is that they are really quick at the breakdown," added Vermeulen.

"They have some good poachers in their squad, and their scrum poses a different threat to that of New Zealand. We haven't faced their lineout and maul this year, and they have been doing really well.

"It's a different set-up under Les Kiss (new Wallabies head coach), and we'll have a game on our hands come Sunday. They will be well prepared, and we will not underestimate them."

Vermeulen, who was one of the stand-out Springbok No 8s during his playing days, also praised Jasper Wiese, who will earn his 50th Test cap off the replacements bench this weekend.

"It's amazing how time has flown by," he said.

"Jasper got there a lot faster than I did, and he's a fantastic player and real stalwart in the team. He's also become one of the core leaders in the group over the last couple of years.

"He is the go-to guy if you want to go forward, and he's been playing really well. It's a fantastic achievement and there is a lot more to come from him. I enjoyed the time I played alongside him, and coaching him is just as much fun."

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