Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a new-look team for their one-off Test against Australia in Perth on Sunday. André Esterhuizen will captain the side, becoming the 68th player to lead South Africa in a Test match. The team has 13 changes from their previous match against the All Blacks in Baltimore, which they won 43-28 to clinch the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry title.
The changes see a new front row of props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen, alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker are the only two players to retain their places in the run-on side. Etzebeth will partner with Franco Mostert in the engine room, while Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw, and Marco van Staden form the loose trio.
Erasmus has also opted for a new halfback pairing of Herschel Jantjies and Handré Pollard. Pollard has recovered from an injury that sidelined him during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and returns at flyhalf. Esterhuizen will partner Canan Moodie in the midfield, while Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, and Aphelele Fassi form the back three.
Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Test cap off the replacements bench, providing a significant milestone for the No 8. The replacements bench includes front-row cover from Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, and Wilco Louw, lock cover from Lood de Jager, and loose forward cover from Wiese. The three backs on the replacements bench are Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Quan Horn.
In total, nine of the players in Erasmus’ match-23 featured in the final Test against the All Blacks in the USA. Erasmus expressed his excitement to see the new team in action, stating that each player has been working hard at training and has had a chance to play in either the first leg of the Nations Championship or RGR, or both.
Erasmus highlighted that Australia poses a different threat to New Zealand in the way they play, and he believes the new combinations will be best suited for the challenge. The Springboks will face Australia at Optus Stadium on Sunday, with an 11.45am kick-off. The team is looking to build on their previous win and take on the new challenge.
The new-look Springboks team will have to adapt quickly to the Australian style of play. With a mix of experienced and new players, the team will look to make a strong impression in Perth. The match will be a great opportunity for players like Esterhuizen and Wiese to showcase their skills and make a statement.
Key points
- André Esterhuizen will captain the new-look Springboks against Australia on Sunday.
- The team has 13 changes from their previous match against the All Blacks.
- Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Test cap off the replacements bench.
