The Springboks will face a Wallabies outfit enjoying a new lease of life under coach Les Kiss on Sunday at the Optus Stadium in Perth. This match offers the Springboks a chance to lay down an important marker before the fast-approaching global showpiece. Erasmus emphasized the significance of playing against the World Cup hosts, stating that it is massive for the team to test themselves against Australia.
Erasmus highlighted that this match will be a totally different challenge compared to the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks. The Springboks emerged with an emphatic 3-1 win against New Zealand, but Erasmus believes that Australia will be ready and fresh to face the Springboks. He recalled the rivalry with David Campese and Pieter Hendriks in the 1995 World Cup opening game and Australia's World Cup win in 2003.
Erasmus noted that the Springboks have found the Wallabies difficult to play against in the past. He cited the 2025 match at Ellis Park, where the Boks lost 38-22 after conceding 38 unanswered points. Erasmus attributed this loss to a bit of arrogance from the South African side, being 22 points up and thinking the game was easy.
The Springboks' coach expressed immense respect for the Wallabies, citing their track record of struggling against Australia. Erasmus emphasized that they never think they have Australia's measure and that the team will have to be prepared for a tough battle. Bok skipper Siya Kolisi concurred, stating that the team has always had tough battles against Australia and that they will have to change a few things to adapt.
Kolisi highlighted the importance of being in Australia and preparing for the match, with training going well and a strong showing of support from South African fans. A revamped Springbok team will take to the field, with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende sent home for rest and recuperation. Erasmus believes that this match will provide valuable insights into the team's performance before the World Cup.
The match against Australia is set to take place in front of 62,000 fans at the Optus Stadium in Perth, with kickoff at 11.45am SA time. Erasmus is aware that Australia have shown good form in recent Tests and that the Springboks come from a tough series against New Zealand. He emphasized that the matches have nothing to do with each other and that this will be a totally different challenge.
Erasmus and the Springboks are eager to assert their dominance against the World Cup hosts, with the team looking to build on their recent successes. The match against Australia will provide a crucial test for the Springboks before the World Cup, and Erasmus is confident that his team will be up for the challenge.
Key points
- The Springboks face a tough challenge against Australia, a team they have struggled against in the past.
- The match will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth, in front of 62,000 fans.
- A revamped Springbok team will take to the field, with some players rested and recuperated.
