Cheika banks on Wallaby upset against New Zealand: 'You never know what's going to happen'

In Durban

Argentina coach Michael Cheika hopes that Australia can spring a surprise on the All Blacks when they meet in the early morning Rugby Championship game ahead of the Bok/Pumas clash in Durban.

New Zealand has been far from convincing in 2022, with losses against Ireland (twice), Argentina, and the Springboks highlighting that.

Australia need to snap a 36-year Eden Park hoodoo if they're to win, but as rugby events this year has shown, it's far from impossible.

READ | Lood v Lavanini: Bok-baby faced assassin respects Pumas' physical yellow-card magnet

Last week, Australia fought back from 31-13 down to lead 37-34 with two minutes left before an epic and unforgettable brain-fade from Bernard Foley opened a door the All Blacks brutally kicked down to win 39-37 in Melbourne.

Cheika has tasted success against New Zealand in New Zealand as Argentina coach while it eluded him with  Australia, with the former Waratahs and Wallabies mentor saying anything is possible.

"Tipping is for mugs and everybody wants to know what is going to happen," Cheika cheekily said.

"You're better off watching the game and enjoying it for what it is. As an Australian, I hope Australia wins.

"I think they've got a good chance and the good thing about those games is that you never know what's going to happen.

"However, I don't really have that many thoughts about that game. I'm focusing on what's happening here."

South Africa

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Frans Steyn, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18