Wallaby coach Robbie Deans issued a warning on Monday – the world champion Springboks will be a finely tuned unit for this season's Tri-Nations series.

South Africa will play the Wallabies twice on Australian soil this year, with the second of the Tests at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 5 September.

Deans said the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa next month, which includes three Tests against the Springboks, will have the South Africans primed for the annual triangular tournament to follow against their Sanzar rivals - Australia and New Zealand.

"It will be a massive series against the Lions and coming out of that, the Springboks will be in good shape," he said.

"They are also the world champions [World Cup holders]. So the Tests [in Perth and Brisbane] will be a huge challenge and one we're looking forward to as part of our 2009 campaign."

The September 5 Test will be the last in this year's seven-game home series for the Wallabies.

They open their 2009 domestic season against the Barbarians in Sydney on June 6, followed by Tests against Italy in Canberra (June 13) and Melbourne (June 20).

The first of the Tri-Nations Test in Australia will be against the All Blacks in Sydney on August 22, followed by the Wallabies clash with the Springboks in Perth on 29 August.

The two sides will then head to Brisbane.

Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill also warned of the threat posed by South Africa.

"The Springboks are the reigning World Cup champions."

South Africa last played at Suncorp Stadium in 2006 when the Wallabies won with a record-breaking 49-0 scoreline.

Matt Giteau scored two of Australia's six tries on the night.

Deans is also on alert for an Italian ambush when the two nations do battle twice next month, as part of the Wallabies home series.

The Australians will open their 2009 Test campaign against Italy at Canberra Stadium on June 13.

"Make no mistake, the Italians will provide tough opposition," said Deans.

"They have one of the strongest forward packs in Europe and a backline that is willing and unpredictable.

"You only need to reference our last match against them to know that the Tests in Canberra and Melbourne the week later will be challenging assignments."

Australia played Italy in Padova last November in their opening match of the European tour.

Inside the final 10 minutes the scores were locked 20-all before Wallabies utility back Quade Cooper, on debut, scored a brilliant solo try to put the tourists in front.

Australia went on to win the match 30-20.

365

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