Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete believes the competition in the backline will only drive the team to higher heights ahead of the opening Test of 2023 against South Africa in Pretoria.
The defending John Eales Medalist is set to play a major role under Eddie Jones, however, the make of the rest of the back three remains unclear.
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Mark Nawaqanitawase, Tom Wright and Reece Hodge have had strong Super seasons for their respective clubs whilst Suliasi Vunivalu justified his selection in Jones' first squad with an electric finish to the season.
Andrew Kellaway and Jordan Petaia are also slated to return during the Rugby Championship as they deal with injuries.
“There’s a lot of competition going on at the back three," Koroibete told reporters.
“It’s good. Everyone is pushing for position for the weekend which is going to be better for the team.
“I think the boys are looking good and whoever gets selected there is going to do the job.”
Jones has earmarked a greater emphasis on the kicking game as they hunt for their first win in Pretoria.
Koroibete gave an insight into how they will look with the game set to be played 1350m above sea level at Loftus Versfeld.
"He’s spoken a lot about playing what’s in front of us, kicking which is going to be a lot this weekend on altitude as well," he explained.
“It’s more about seeing the picture and reacting to what South Africa shows us. Whatever decision, whether you kick or run, we back each other and got each other’s back.”
Prop Allan Alaalatoa stressed the importance of winning the set piece battle against a formidable Springboks pack.
The South Africans dominated in Sydney last year, with Alaalatoa eager to avoid a repeat.
“We have to understand their strengths. As a forward pack, we’ve spoken about how they pride themselves on our set-piece - scrum and maul - and they’ll do it until the cows come home," he said.
“Around the park, they base their game on physicality. It’s important for us to understand that and we’ve just got to go toe-to-toe.
“The backs will then add the smartness around the game around the kicking and playing what’s in front.”
