Wallabies to bid winning farewell

After shocking the All Blacks in the dying minutes last week in Brisbane, Australian fans now get their last chance to see George Gregan and Stephen Larkham on home soil when the Wallabies take on the mighty Springboks in Sydney. Between them the half-back pairing have 231 caps and Larkham will make his 100th appearance for Australia when he steps out at the Telstra Dome for this Tri-Nations tie that sees the Wallabies surprisingly topping the group on points difference. There is no doubt that fatigue affected the All Blacks' second half performance in Brisbane when Gregan and co inflicted a period of 14 unanswered points. But fatigue will not be an issue for Jake White's Springboks as most of the side will be making their first appearance of the tournament this year. South Africa are resting field just two starters from the side that beat the Wallabies 22-19 last month. Backs Ruan Pienaar and JP Pietersen are the only players who started that game in Cape Town and an inexperienced line-up boasts two fewer caps than Gregan and Larkham combined. Of course the Boks will bring with them their traditional power and an enthusiasm which is enhanced due to World Cup places being on the line but the Wallabies will be too strong. The last time the Boks were in Australia they were humbled 49-0 in Brisbane and that was with a side resembling first-choice so expect Bobby Skinstad's side to come under the cosh and Gregan and Larkham to enjoy their last hurrah at home Verdict: Australia to win by 11-20 points @ 9/4 (Ladbrokes)