Jerry Flannery predicts tougher Rugby Championship in 2025

With Joe Schmidt having settled into his role since taking over the reins from Eddie Jones last year, the Wallabies are believed to be on the up since their last meeting with the Boks a year ago.

Flannery, who is familiar with Schmidt's work during the latter's transformation of Irish rugby from 2013-2019, believes they will meet a more formidable Australian outfit this time around, along with the usually strong New Zealand and Argentine sides.

"I think it's a phenomenal competition because, if you look back on last year, I think Argentina were the dark horses – they came out of nowhere and shocked New Zealand, and they beat us as well," said Flannery.

"So I think there's no weak team in the Championship, that's it, and I suppose last year – if I was to look at objectively now, the fact that Joe Schmidt had only just taken over after the World Cup meant the Wallabies probably started slowly.

"And we benefited from that because we played them early in the Championship, but I don't think that's going to be the case now.

"But we want to play the best teams when they're at their best, you don't want to be – with all due respect to Georgia, and the Barbarians, we want to be playing the best teams in the world because that's how you get better." 

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With Australian rugby pundits having raised questions over the Springboks' competitive edge to face the Wallabies, following recent clashes against lower tier opposition, centre Jesse Kriel reckons even their training environment is good enough preparation.

"We'll have to see on Saturday – I believe we've worked hard, and I think everyone's obviously got their opinions on battle-hardened or not, but I think it's the way you pitch up everyday to training and with the mindset to whatever you approach throughout your week," defended Kriel.

"And I think for us, again, it's a good opportunity for us to represent South Africa, and I don't think anyone takes it lightly in this environment, so I'm very excited for the challenge and I'm confident that we'll be up for it."