Words by Tom Connor and Tim Donlan

The Wallabies arrived in South Africa this week ready to face the Springboks in the Fourth Round of The Rugby Championship. In addition to the five competition points up for grabs, the world number two ranking is also on the line, with the Wallabies gunning for their first win in Pretoria in 20 years.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis will travel to Argentina where a win will wrap up the Rugby Championship title for another year.

With a massive weekend of Rugby ahead of us, we take a look at the three players who hold the key to victory for Australia.

Ben McCalmam

Following a season ending injury to Wycliff Palu, Ben McCalman has been plying his trade at the tail of the Wallabies scrum and doing so in style. Awarded with a starting role for the Men in Gold, Ben is known for his high work rate and ability to put a big hit on in defence.

Following a standout Super Rugby campaign, which saw his Western Force side record their highest finish to date, Ben was given the opportunity to continue his red-hot form wearing the Gold for Australia.

Born and raised in Dubbo, Ben was educated at the King’s School in Parramatta. Renowned as one of the toughest players in Australian Rugby, Ben will be looking to make the no.8 jersey his own, particularly with the World Cup just around the corner.

Against a typically dominant Springboks pack, expect Ben and the Wallabies to match the home sides physicality, with the breakdown looming as a key aspect of the contest.

Israel Folau

The rule of thumb is if Israel Folau is at his brilliant best, then the Wallabies can beat anyone.

After a record-breaking season with the Tahs, Izzy has continued to bamboozle defences on the International stage. In particular his combination with Waratahs teammate Kurtley Beale has been a thing of beauty at times.

Coming up against a South African team whose game plan revolves around the highball means that the abilities of Israel to diffuse bombs, box kicks and chip kicks will be invaluable.

A weapon in open play, the Wallabies will be looking to swing the ball wide and create plenty of space for Izzy and co. to do what they do best. Gifted with size and speed to match, the Springbok will no doubt know the dangers of kicking to Israel without a comprehensive chase.

Having played all three footballing codes in Australia, Israel was actually the youngest player to represent Australian in Rugby League when he was aged 18 years, 194 days.

Saia Fainga’a

The Australian injury curse struck again when the Wallabies played their last test against the Pumas. The gamble to rush Tatafu Polota-Nau back ended with the 50 Test cap rake hobbling around Robina Stadium on crutches.

With the Wallabies top three hookers now injured Saia has been recalled into the starting side due to his strength at set piece. Thrown into the deep end, Saia will be looking to have an impressive performance to stake his claim for a more solidified role within the team.

Originally from Queanbeyan, Saia is no stranger to the big stage after making his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies as a 20 year old in 2007. Since then he has amassed 107 Super Rugby Caps, making him the second most capped player at the Reds.

Saia has played 29 Tests but has only started in seven, the last being four years ago against Wales in Cardiff. Up against the physical force that is the Springboks forward pack, Saia’s impressive flexibility will stand in good stead against the physicality of the Boks’ scrum.

Expect a big performance from Saia this weekend as he looks to spearhead the Wallabies pack in a must win clash.