Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a new-look team for their one-off Test against Australia at Perth Stadium on Sunday. The match marks a significant occasion for hybrid player André Esterhuizen, who will become the 68th player to captain South Africa. Erasmus made 13 changes to his starting team, with only lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker retaining their places from the side's 43-28 victory against the All Blacks in Baltimore.
The changes see the introduction of a new front row, comprising props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen, and hooker Johan Grobbelaar. Etzebeth will partner Franco Mostert in the engine room, while Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw, and Marco van Staden will complete the forward pack. The backline features a new half-back pairing of Herschel Jantjies and Handré Pollard, who has recovered from a niggling injury.
Esterhuizen will partner Canan Moodie in the midfield, with Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, and Aphelele Fassi forming the back three. Nine players from Erasmus's match-23 from the final Test win against the All Blacks in Baltimore remain in the squad. The experienced trio of Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, and Wilco Louw will serve as the back-up front row, while Lood de Jager and Jasper Wiese provide lock and loose forward cover.
Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the team's preparation, stating that each player has been working hard at training over the last few months. He is pleased to give them a run and is excited to see the team in action against Australia. The Bok coach believes the new combinations will be best suited to face the Wallabies, who pose a different threat to New Zealand.
Erasmus also welcomed Esterhuizen's appointment as captain, highlighting his experience and leadership qualities. Esterhuizen has captained the Sharks and has brought significant value to the squad both on and off the field. The coach trusts that Esterhuizen is the right man to take over the captaincy for this match.
The decision to release Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende from camp was also explained by Erasmus. He stated that they had a heavy workload in recent months and deserved a break. The pair will spend time with their families, and Erasmus had planned to rest them for this match if everything went according to plan.
The Springbok XV for the match against Australia 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-Hendrik Wessels. The replacements include Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Quan Horn.
Key points
- André Esterhuizen to captain South Africa for the first time against Australia.
