JOHANNESBURG :Australia know they will be in for a fierce fight when they face South Africa at Ellis Park in their Rugby Championship opener on Saturday, but will have power and experience to call on for the showdown in Johannesburg.

World champions South Africa, who are also Rugby Championship holders, will be favourites in the fixture but Australia, buoyed by a 22-12 victory over the British & Irish Lions last time out, are fired up for the challenge.

They should have the key trio of loose-forward Rob Valetini, lock Will Skelton and prop Taniela Tupou fit for Saturday, while experienced scrumhalf Nic White has postponed his international retirement to answer an SOS and tour.

"You've got the Great Dane, Will Skelton, and then you've got the little Jack Russell (White)," Australia loose

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