Coach Ewen McKenzie says the Wallabies have "one hand" on the Mandela Challenge Plate but fears the passionate Cape Town crowd could help the Springboks snatch the silverware.
Australia edged out the Springboks 24-23 in their first clash of 2014 earlier this month in Perth.
But they haven't defeated the Springboks at Newlands since 1992.
"There's no question - South Africa is hard to play in South Africa," McKenzie said on Friday.
"Cape Town hasn't been a happy hunting ground for us for a while."
As his injury-hit 28-man squad prepares to fly out on Monday for its two-match Tour of South Africa and Argentina, McKenzie knows he's got a tough assignment set for the September 27 clash at Newlands.
So why do the Wallabies find it so hard to beat the 'Boks on their home turf?
"It's not an easy question to answer," McKenzie said.
"Each campaign goes there in different circumstances (but) they're just a hard team to play."
"It's a major sport for them - if not the number one sport for them. It's tough."
The long flight and altitude adjustment could also hamper the team's chances, he added.
The squad announced on Wednesday has a fighting chance of walking away from Newlands victorious and planned to do the heavy work needed on home soil before flying out on Monday.
"We've got one hand on the Mandela Plate," McKenzie said.
"(But) they'll be smarting a bit over us getting one over them in Perth."
Following the Test against the Springboks, the Wallabies will face Argentina in Mendoza on October 4.
McKenzie has opted for 16 forwards and 12 backs for the tour, calling up veteran prop Benn Robinson and halfback Will Genia.
In addition to the chance to claim some silverware, confident wins from the Wallabies at the remaining Rugby Championships Tests would go a long way to silencing the sceptics ahead of next year's World Cup.
McKenzie is adamant the team is "tracking in the right direction" one year out, but admits there is scope for improvement.
He said Australia would have a "very healthy" side once the dozen or so injured players are reunited with the young talent given experience in their absence.
Four rounds in, the All Blacks have a stranglehold on the Rugby Championship, leading the standings with 16 points ahead of South Africa and Australia on 10 apiece and winless Argentina on three.
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