The Springboks are the more fascinating side as the Wallabies head to Pretoria for a Test next weekend that is hugely significant in its own way.
It's not that the Wallabies aren't interesting – far from it. But in piecing together two improved performances at home, the latter of which included some excellent ball movement to create some really fine tries, we are now finally getting a sense that the Wallabies are edging in the right direction.
With South Africa, everything is up in the air. Based on the squad they have selected for the remainder of the Rugby Championship, the back line I would select is Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie (fitness permitting), Bryan Habana, Damian de Allende, Lionel Mapoe, Willie le Roux and Jesse Kriel (I like him far more at No.15 than at No.13).
That's a good back line, but also almost entirely different to the one they picked against the All Blacks in Christchurch two weeks ago: Habana and Kriel would be the sole survivors. That's how much confusion there is about the Springboks' best team.
That said, the Wallabies have some decisions of their own. It's hard to see too many changes in the back line, even though the coaches must be itching to get a true winger into one of the wide positions.
The debate really is around the back row, particularly with David Pocock ruled out with a broken hand. This is where Scott Fardy comes in. He has been one of those players who has not convinced the Wallabies selectors this year, but his work-rate, toughness and willingness to put his head over the ball become a factor in what will be a hostile environment.
His appeal is also based on how I think the Wallabies will construct the rest of the back row. Based on how they have viewed the personnel in the past, it is likely that Sean McMahon will join certainty Michael Hooper.
I have long been a supporter of Lopeti Timani (I actually think he was more imposing last year than when selected this year) but the Wallabies' approach with him has been noticeably cautious. It would be a big sign of faith, hitherto not expressed, to roll him into the starting team in Pretoria.
McMahon – well, you know what you re going to get. He'll run about in that slightly unhinged way basically trying to damage anything in his vicinity while Michael Cheika looks down with a grin on is face. He's a genuinely tough kid.
But if you go with McMahon, you also know what you are not going to get. Even by his own admission he isn't the strongest back-rower over the ball, which means that Pocock's absence has the potential to be keenly felt.
Dean Mumm has fulfilled a particular role in the No.6 jersey in recent Tests, but not many would argue he offers a stronger option than Fardy on the ground, and he probably hasn't done enough away from the lineout to make himself indispensable. So Fardy it is, with Mumm and Timani bench options that could again be a 6-2 split if the Wallabies anticipate the Springboks will revert to their traditional strengths.
Slightly unhinged: Sean McMahon's is fearless in attack and defence. Photo: Cameron Spencer
Wider out, Reece Hodge's encouraging introduction to Test rugby and, more importantly, his massive boot could be enough to secure his starting spot. At altitude, even penalties at the 60m-65m mark come within his range.
His ability to provide a rugged defensive option in the midfield channels has also become very important for the Wallabies. I have to say, I am utterly opposed to the concept of moving two players out of the defensive line (does it lock you in to picking wingers based on their defensive abilities?) but having seen some of the efforts of those two players in question, I can understand why the Wallabies do it.
Regardless, I expect the "real" Springboks to turn up this weekend – or at least the current version to be very motivated and physical. Accordingly, I'd pick Australia's toughest hombres to match them, and there has never been any doubt that Fardy is among that group.
