The Springboks are set to face the Wallabies in a one-off Test in Perth on Sunday with a revamped team. Coach Rassie Erasmus has decided to send Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende home for rest and recuperation. The pair had a heavy workload this season and will return to South Africa to spend time with their families. Erasmus believes he has sufficient cover ahead of the Test at Perth Stadium.
The Springboks are currently based in Terrigal, north of Sydney, and will make the trip to Perth early this week. Captain Siya Kolisi reflected on the team's journey from Baltimore, where they played a previous Test. Kolisi said it was a long journey but a great success, and that preparing for the game against the Wallabies is crucial for the team.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed satisfaction with the first edition of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series between the Boks and the All Blacks. The series featured three Tests in South Africa and one in the US. Oberholzer said the event exceeded expectations in terms of attracting broader rugby attention and its success in both countries.
The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series has established itself as an important event on the global rugby calendar, according to Oberholzer. He compared it to the British and Irish Lions tour, which has a unique history and legacy. The Springboks' growing trophy cabinet is a testament to their success, with the team set to defend their World Cup title in 2027.
As part of their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks will face Fiji in a Test at the Polytec Stadium in Gosford, Australia, on September 18, 2027. This will be only the fourth time the two nations have met. The match will give fans a chance to see the four-time Rugby World Cup champions and the live-wire Fijians in action ahead of the global showpiece.
The Springboks will start their World Cup title defense just over two weeks after the Test against Fiji, when they take on Italy in Adelaide on October 3. As part of their commitment to the region, both teams will take up residence on the Central Coast and integrate into the local community. High-performance training camps will be set up using the region's world-class facilities.
Rassie Erasmus expressed excitement about the announcement of the clash against Fiji, which will be another opportunity for the team to prepare for the World Cup. The Test match in Gosford will be a significant building block for the team's title defense. Erasmus highlighted the importance of the match and the chance to play another Test in Gosford, where they last faced the Pacific Islanders in 2004.
Key points
- The Springboks will face the Wallabies in a one-off Test in Perth on Sunday with a revamped team.
- The team will face Fiji in a Test at the Polytec Stadium in Gosford, Australia, on September 18, 2027, as part of their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- The Springboks will start their World Cup title defense against Italy in Adelaide on October 3.
