Wallabies out to quiet the crowd in bid for first Test win at Loftus

The Wallabies have arrived in South Africa chasing a historic first ever Test victory over the Springboks at Loftus.

They will also have to be prepared to face the Springboks’ physicality and a wall of hostile noise from the Loftus faithful.

WALLABIES OUT TO QUIET THE LOFTUS CROWD

Australia are now blooding a generation of players yet to have any sort of experience of Loftus.

“We’ve had a couple of meetings about (the atmosphere),” prop Allan Alaalatoa told Rugby.com.au. 

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“Our leaders have shared their experiences on what it’s like to play in Pretoria or in South Africa with altitude, how they sing the national anthem and everyone gets involved.

“I think it was really good to hear from our experienced players and I think that’s so valuable for some of the young lads who will be feeding off those blokes come the weekend.

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“We know there are going to be blokes that will be nervous, some haven’t played in a while or are playing their first game (in South Africa) so we’re trying to nut all that out through the week, put in scenarios about what we’re going to face so we’re ready for it.”

HOSTILE CROWD A GIVEN

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The old heads in the Wallabies group will need to step up as noted by Reece Hodge one of the few with Test experience at Loftus.

“They’re very loud, parochial,” Hodge remarked.

“I remember last time in 2016 it was a full house and everyone’s cheering the Springboks on. It really means we have to connect as a group.

“We’re the only Aussies out there and make sure as a squad of 23 and the extended squad are coming together to do whatever we can to combat what’s going to be a hostile atmosphere to play in front of.

“It’s exciting and to have the chance to go to Pretoria and hopefully get a win is something that excites the whole squad.”