Springboks have plans in place to fix lineout issues, says Ruan Nortje

Nortje said the forwards are determined to deliver a vastly improved set-piece when they meet the Wallabies again in Cape Town on Saturday, after they saw no less than seven of their lineouts poached at Ellis Park.

"All credit to Australia for how they handled the lineouts last week," Nortje said. "It's not just the players who were on the field. All the locks sat together and made plans from the Sunday before the match, so we need to ensure that we are more effective in that department this weekend.

"We know we are much better than what we showed in Johannesburg, so it will be vital for us to stick to our plans this week and to go out there and be as physical as possible."

Nortje will partner RG Snyman in a starting lineup for the first time and said he's always wanted to line up alongside the two-time World Cup winner.

"This is the first time I'll be starting a game next to RG, and I'm excited about the opportunity. He was also at the Vodacom Bulls a few years ago, and I always wanted us to play together, so the key for us this week will be to do our utmost to work well together."

Nortje said he felt privileged to be working alongside some of his childhood heroes in the Bok second row department and is determined to make the most of every chance he gets.

"It's special for me to be part of this group of locks. Many of them have been my heroes since I started playing junior rugby, so I try to learn with each opportunity I get to play and train with them because it's important to grab every chance one gets with both hands."

The Springboks wrapped up their main training block for the week on Wednesday afternoon and will have Thursday off to rest and switch into match mode before their traditional captain’s run on Friday.