Rugby Confidential: Latest talking points from South Africa vs Australia, Super Rugby

For supporters of the proposal, it’s long overdue and could help the Wallabies keep their best players in rugby rather than be poached by the NRL.

But not everyone is enthused by the idea, including some powerful Kiwis, who are counting on Australia to field competitive teams in Super Rugby Pacific to make the competition viable.

Rugby Confidential’s phones have been running hot this week with plenty of past and present stakeholders putting in their two cents about the pros and cons of ditching the Giteau Law.

The most common concern was whether the scheme will be sustainable beyond the 2027 World Cup.

Because a lot of the top players have already signed on until 2027, or have agreed to overseas sabbaticals before returning home to prepare for the World Cup, the next two years are not considered a huge problem, especially for broadcasters, who were buoyed by the interest from the British & Irish Lions series.

But what happens after the World Cup is the uncertainty that has plenty of rugby insiders worried.

While the obvious danger is the threat of big-spending European and Japanese clubs buying up all the best talent, the NRL’s expansion plans also remain a concern for the future.

WALLABIES LEGEND LINES UP SCHMIDT — AGAIN

Never one to mince his words, Wallabies legend David Campese hasn’t held anything back in his latest criticism of Schmidt.

It is no secret Campese is not a fan of the Kiwi’s tactics or selections, even when Schmidt picks players Campo has been advocating for.

Like most Wallabies’ fans, Campese is supportive of Schmidt’s decision to recall veteran playmaker Connor for this weekend’s Rugby Championship opener in Johannesburg.

The 35-year-old O’Connor hasn’t played a Test match since 2022 but has been in great form for the Crusaders, coming off the bench.

He was included in the Australian squad for the series against the Lions but didn’t get on the field after Schmidt opted for Tom Lynagh as his starting 10 and Ben Donaldson as his backup.

“I can see why Joe Schmidt has never won a RWC. He has no idea about rugby. Clueless . This shows us why,” Campese tweeted.

“Very happy for James who should have been on the bench for the Lions. Ben at 10. Under (Les) kiss it is not going to look any better.”

KISS STARTS EARLY WORK ON RUGBY AUS PLANS

While Schmidt continues to put the finishing touches on the Wallabies as they prepare to step into the cauldron against South Africa, the man who will take over as Australia’s Test coach at the next World Cup will be more than 14,000 kms away.

Instead of the thin air of Johannesburg, Les Kiss will be at sea level in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga.

Kiss will be there in his job as coach of Queensland, who are playing Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday, with a new look team that includes eight uncapped Reds.

Among them is Tom Robinson, the 19-year-old son of Brett Robinson, the former Wallaby now running World Rugby, and Junior Wallabies halfback James Martens, whose father Hentie Martens toured with the Springboks in 1993.

While Kiss won’t take over as Wallabies coach until the middle of 2026, he’s already pitching in and helping Rugby Australia with some of its lesser known projects.

As part of a strategy to use sports diplomacy to build influence in the Pacific, the Australian federal government is working closely with Tongan, Samoan and Fijian rugby union, providing financial support, facilities and matches.

Friday’s game is critical for Tonga as they prepare for their upcoming qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup.

SPRINGBOKS KEEP TRYING TO REWRITE HISTORY

It seems South Africans never get tired of reminding the Wallabies and their supporters just how great the Springboks are.

Not content with being the only country to have won the Rugby World Cup four times, the Boks’ one-eyed fans love rubbing their opponents’ noses in.

One of their favourite ways of winding up New Zealanders and Australians is by suggesting their wins at the 1987 and 1991 World Cup don’t count because the Boks weren’t involved – because they were banned over their policy of apartheid.

Even this week, they have once again been rewriting history.

In announcing their team to play the Wallabies, South African Rugby included the following footnote:

“A victory for the Springboks will see them extend their unbeaten run against the Wallabies at Ellis Park to seven matches. They have never lost a match against Australia at the iconic stadium.

The Springboks’ coach Rassie Erasmus even made mention of it, in praising Australia’s improved efforts of late, saying: “They are a physical and well-coached team, and we’ll certainly not underestimate how much those performances, combined with their motivation to bounce back strongly against us after the last few results between the teams, and win their first match ever at Ellis Park, will inspire them.”

The only problem is the Wallabies have won at Ellis Park, in 1963.

That’s a match that no Australians or South African rugby historians will ever forget.

Played in front of 65,000 fans, the Wallabies won the match in Johannesburg 11-9 in a four-match series that ended 2-2.

When the Wallabies returned home, they were treated to a tickertape parade and a civil reception.

JOHNSON-HOLMES’ SECOND CHANCE FOR FORCE

One-time Wallaby Harry Johnson-Holmes has been given a second chance to make his official Super Rugby debut for the Western Force after signing a new deal for 2026.

The former Waratahs prop moved to the Force at the start of 2025 but missed the entire season and the match with the touring Lions after injuring his knee in a warm-up clash with the ACT Brumbies.

He’s been undergoing rehabilitation ever since and been rewarded with a new contract in the expectation he’ll be back on the field next year.

“I feel I’ve got unfinished business at the Force,” he said.

BEALE KEEPS WALLABIES FLAME FLICKERING

Kurtley Beale hasn’t given up on playing for the Wallabies again, with the 36-year-old revealing he has been in touch with Joe Schmidt.

And after his great mate James O’Connor was named at five-eighth to take on the Springboks this weekend, there could be hope yet.

“I’m just staying ready, I guess,” Beale, who last played for Australia in 2021, told Rugby Confidential. “I’ve had a couple of conversations with Joe, so I’m just waiting for an opportunity.

“I definitely feel I can play a role as a utility player, or help steer the ship.”

Beale was influential in the First Nations and Pasifika XV’s match against the Lions, going down 24-19 in one of the closest matches of the tour.

Coming back from a hamstring injury, his performance showed him he could still play at the top level.

Beale will now turn his attention to the new domestic Super Rugby AU competition with the Western Force, and wants to play one more season in 2026.

“One more year next year before I hang ‘em up I reckon,” he said.