Veteran Wallabies prop Al Baxter believes their extended break during this year's Tri-Nations and South Africa's continued involvement over the past few weeks may well give the hosts an edge during Saturday's Test in Cape Town.

The Wallabies arrived in South Africa at the weekend following their Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks in Auckland three weeks ago.

They haven't played a minute of rugby since then, while the Springboks head into Saturday's Test on the back of two gruelling Tests against the All Blacks on home soil.

"I think it's all pretty even. We've had a few weeks off but sometimes it's better if you keep playing and you're able to fine-tune things on the field.

"We've had the travel as well. They've had two [games] at home which makes it easier."

The Wallabies' build-up has also been marred by the death of coach Robbie Deans' father. Deans was forced to return home after his father was taken seriously ill and subsequently died last weekend and he is only expected in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Wallabies forward coach Jim Williams and Richard Graham took over the reigns in Deans' absence. Whether Deans' unavailability during the bulk of the Wallabies' build-up to Saturday's Test will have an effect remains to be seen. However, Baxter indicated that Saturday's Test will have extra meaning for the Aussies.

"We haven't spoken to Robbie yet because he's obviously at home. I guess we'll know more about his situation and how he's feeling once he gets here," Baxter said.

"But we are all feeling for him and I think it might bring a bit of extra meaning to the match for us."

365

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