Australia's decision to travel early to South Africa was clever: get away from Israel Folau, get James O'Connor inside the tent away from the glare, and get close as a group. But are the Wallabies a real chance of backing up their feats in 2011 and 2015 and grabbing some significant silverware? Here's where we see the four teams in the build-up to this year's edition. Australia Ellis Park may be a fortress for the Springboks, but coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to put his best warriors on a plane to New Zealand. South Africans can try and sugarcoat this all they want, but it's a huge slap in the face to the Wallabies.

Loading So, this is a massive opportunity for Australia and no doubt Cheika will be feeding them the line all week that their hosts don't respect them. Sometimes, a vast amount of overthinking surrounds the modern game when inside dressing rooms it's actually the simplest message that resonates. If the Wallabies can get off to a great start in South Africa – and it's still a big if – they will feel they can push on and add the 2019 title to their 2011 and 2015 crowns. Key man: Michael Hooper. I'm not sure there is a player in world rugby who carries such a burden: he captains the Waratahs, barely misses a game, gets a short break and is then asked to do the same for the Wallabies. David Pocock's return from injury could be seen as adding to the pressure, but the Wallabies can turn this to advantage if they give both men good minutes at No.7.

Under pressure: James O'Connor. The Wallabies have gone out on a limb for him, again, and O'Connor needs to front physically. He's always been surprisingly strong for his size – he transfers his weight well – so let's see that with some good carries with the ball and some committed defence. He doesn't need to produce miracles but people need to see that he cares. Predicted position: 2nd Two-time world player of the year Beauden Barrett will be crucial to New Zealand's hopes. Credit:Stuart Walmsley/Rugby AU Media New Zealand Will use the Rugby Championship to see if they can finally crack the code to defensive line speed, although they have been talking about that subject for three years without much sign of progress. Their other goal is to see which of their old men will or won't make it to the Rugby World Cup, and Sonny Bill Williams is very much the name on everyone's lips. A squad minus the senior Crusaders has been sent to Argentina and they have made retaining the Bledisloe Cup a priority over winning the Rugby Championship – but they have the quality to accomplish both.

Key man: Beauden Barrett. New Blues recruit is a brilliant runner, but can he evolve his game enough to escape the clutches of suffocating Test defensive systems? Under pressure: Williams needs to show his body can stay together long enough to make the Rugby World Cup because players like Ngani Laumape are pushing the 33-year-old hard for that No.12 jersey. Predicted position: 1st South Africa

Loading Erasmus clearly has the World Cup in mind, but if they lose to the Wallabies next week the reaction in South Africa will be unforgiving. That proud sporting nation has just endured the Proteas' woeful Cricket World Cup campaign and the appetite for further failure will be limited. At their best the Springboks can beat anyone – including the All Blacks – but do they have the same depth as the Kiwis? The jury is out. Key man: Faf de Klerk. The Sale halfback was outstanding in some games last year and is by far the Springboks' best No.9. Under pressure: Damian de Allende. The return of Frans Steyn to the squad suggests the Springboks are not entirely happy with their options at No.12. Predicted position: 3rd