Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga'a is confident the side can bounce back and take it to an imposing Springboks pack as they look to put past results behind them.
Fainga'a was watching from the sidelines, ruled out late with a concussion, as Los Pumas cruised to a 47-17 win over a wounded Wallabies in San Juan.
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The incoming Force hooker was optimistic he will clear the necessary protocols to be available for the Test in Adelaide on August 27.
“It was just unfortunate I copped a head knock, didn’t see it coming,” Fainga’a told Rugby.com.au
“Myself and ‘Patty’ (Rob) Leota just head clashed at training and I came out second-best. I’m recovered well, had a gym yesterday Tuesday and a run this morning so I’m coming through good.
“I’m confident to be in the selection for the next game.”
Fainga'a admits a lack of experience came back to haunt a youthful side missing the likes of Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi.
“There was a bit of inexperience around the group but the bright side of it is other guys got the chance to step up,” Fainga’a admits.
“They got the taste of Test level footy, for Nossy (Lachlan Lonergan) and Billy (Pollard) to get a first start and cap (respectively) and for Pone as well, we were tested in our depth and unfortunately we weren’t good enough on that day.”
However, the 27-year-old was confident they can rectify their poor showing against South Africa as a select group of Wallabies took the chance to shoot hoops and pick the brains of NBA superstar Jamal Murray.
Fainga'a was particularly excited to face off against the likes of Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi, recognising the importance of shutting down their pack.
“Everyone just needed to get away for the week and freshen up, we have another beast waiting for us,” he believes.
“We’ve seen what they’ve done in South Africa. New Zealand came back strong but we definitely know what the’re capable of and will be preparing well for it.
“You get excited because you test yourself against the best in your position and as a group and myself, it’s an exciting challenge ahead and excited for what’s ahead.”
