Wallabies coach John Connolly expects the Springboks to be "a lot more confrontational" in Saturday's Tri Nations rugby Test but he's not concerned by speculation that Stephen Larkham could be unfairly targeted.

The Wallabies can reclaim the Mandela Cup with a second victory over the Springboks following their 49-0 rout in Brisbane three weeks ago and the coach said on Thursday they would be primed for the Telstra Stadium match.

"I don't think we're complacent," Connolly said.

"I definitely don't expect what we walked into in Brisbane. They'll be a lot more confrontational, a lot more physical. We know what to expect.

"The game definitely got away from the Springboks last start."

Connolly shrugged off a reporter's claim on Wednesday that sources close to the South African team camp believed recalled five eighth Butch James would be sent out to "take Larkham's head off".

Springboks coach Jake White denied any plan to illegally target the Wallabies playmaker with the hard-tackling James and Connolly was not concerned.

"He (James) is not always the one that's man on man (in defence). He could be sliding onto (Matt) Giteau at times so that's what you've got a referee for, I guess," Connolly said.

He added that all five-eighths expected to absorb intense pressure in Test rugby.

"Whether it be (New Zealand's Dan) Carter or Larkham or Butch James, the five-eighth is very much the quarterback. He directs a lot of the play.

"He (Larkham) is a valuable asset but all 10s are under pressure."

Connolly also believes victory would keep Australia in with a real chance of stealing the Tri Nations trophy from the unbeaten All Blacks.

"If we get away with maximum points here, there's a belief here that we can run New Zealand very close (in Auckland on August 19), and New Zealand have got to play South Africa twice at altitude," he said.

"History shows they've found that difficult over the years, so it's still all to play for."

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