Wallabies winger Lachie Turner is expecting the greatest challenge of his rugby career in Saturday's Tri Nations showdown with the world champion Springboks in Cape Town.

Turner, 22, accepts there'll be nowhere to hide at Newlands as he faces a barrage of towering midfield bombs from the Boks while also trying to contain ever-dangerous Bryan Habana.

The aerial threat plus Habana on the ground has Turner on high alert, but he is happy to be a target.

"This will be the biggest test I have ever had," said Turner.

"I will find out where I stand on Saturday night and I am really looking forward to that opportunity. It will be good fun."

When Turner made his Test debut last year, he was picked largely for his blinding speed and finishing ability.

But the game has changed in the last 12 months, with wingers facing altogether different challenges as opposing teams seeking field position and advantage through a barrage of high midfield kicks, not that Turner minds.

"Wingers are being asked to have a bigger impact on games now," Turner said.

"Previously we were just the guy on the end of the backline that got to put the ball down.

"Now we are being asked to have more of an impact. We're constantly taking high balls and there is a lot more pressure in moments in the game."

But it is much more than just "taking" high balls.

Combating the aerial assault involves courages. It means out-leaping and out-smarting the opposition under intense pressure and in a sea of bodies.

And all in coordination with supporting teammates.

"There's a fair bit more off-the- ball-work," Turner said.

"Previously, wingers have just been standing underneath it and, if they have to, they'll jump off the spot and go up.

"Now, the way it is going, a winger has to delay where that landing zone is going to be until the last possible second.

"Catchers are being asked to come flying in and make sure they get off the ground and put their bodies on the line.

"It is all about getting your body between them and the ball, making sure if someone does come in and tries to take you out, they are only pushing you back towards the ball."

Such serious business requires hours of extra training - pads and all - and Turner admits it is a "work in progress" for the Wallabies back three.

"Guys are getting better at it. Someone like (fullback) Adam Ashley-Cooper has been great so far this season," Turner said.

"The way the game is going, wingers may end up taking more than fullbacks. But it helps that we are all pretty aerially confident.

"We don't mind getting off the ground taking high balls."

From his two experiences opposing Habana at Super 14 level, Turner knows that is no straightforward assignment either.

"He is a great benchmark of where you stand," Turner said. "I have probably come up short against him in the past.

"The thing about Brian on the field is, he is nought to 100 in half a second.

"Personally, that's a big challenge for me, making sure I don't get caught on my heels and give him that freedom."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP