André Esterhuizen has been named as the captain of the Springboks for their upcoming Test against the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. This will mark his first time as captain and he becomes the 68th man to lead the team in a Test. Esterhuizen, known for his versatility and team-first attitude, has earned the nickname "Ganda-ganda" in Xhosa, meaning tractor. He has been an integral part of the Springbok squad, playing in various positions including centre, flank, and hybrid roles.
Esterhuizen's appointment as captain is a testament to his selflessness and dedication to the team. According to coach Rassie Erasmus, Esterhuizen has always put the team first, whether it's playing as a hybrid player or accepting to play behind other players. Erasmus also highlighted Esterhuizen's experience as the Sharks' captain, where he led the team through a tough time and showed impressive leadership qualities. This experience will be valuable for the Springboks as they prepare for the World Cup.
The Springboks have made wholesale changes to their team for the upcoming Test against the Wallabies. Only two players, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker, retain their places from the starting team that beat the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore. The team will be led by Esterhuizen in the midfield, alongside Canan Moodie, while Aphelele Fassi and Edwill van der Merwe also start. Flyhalf Handré Pollard returns to the team after overcoming a calf muscle injury, and Herschel Jantjies makes his first Test start since 2021.
The front row of Zach Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, and Jan-Hendrick Wessels will start, with vast experience waiting on the bench. Erasmus reiterated that the team is building towards the World Cup while also trying to win in the present. He believes that rotating players and building depth is crucial for the team's success. The Springboks will face a tough challenge against the Wallabies, who have been playing good rugby and have won four of their last five matches.
The Wallabies have also had a strong run in the Nations Championship, with a narrow defeat against Ireland and a comprehensive victory over Italy. Erasmus knows that the team will face a big challenge in Perth, but he is confident in their abilities. He has stacked the Bomb Squad with players from the Greatest Rivalry series, including Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw, who will provide a significant boost to the team's bench.
The team's backline reserves, including Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Quan Horn, will also provide a strong challenge to the Wallabies. Erasmus has been working closely with the team's Head of Athletic Performance, Andy Edwards, to manage the players' workload and get the most out of them in this important encounter. The team has had a few days off to recover from the last few Tests and travel, and resumed their usual Test week programme on Tuesday.
The Test against the Wallabies will be a significant challenge for the Springboks, but Esterhuizen and his team are ready for the task. With a strong team and a determined captain, the Springboks will look to make a statement in Perth. The team's final lineup includes Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Handré Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Villiers, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, and Jan-Hendrick Wessels.
Key points
- André Esterhuizen to captain Springboks against Wallabies in Perth on Sunday.
- Springboks make wholesale changes to team for upcoming Test against Wallabies.
- Team faces tough challenge against Wallabies, who have won four of their last five matches.
