The Springboks, led by veteran lock Eben Etzebeth, aim to finish their demanding international season on a high note against the Wallabies. Having been on Test-match footing since June, the team has navigated the Nations Championship and a four-Test series against the All Blacks. Their last Test was played in the USA on September 12, and instead of returning home, they traveled to Australia early to prepare for this match as part of a "recce" ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The Wallabies, under new coach Les Kiss, are motivated to cause an upset, fueled by a perceived slight when the Rugby Championship was scrapped to accommodate the Springboks and All Blacks' four-Test series. Kiss, who took over from Joe Schmidt in July, knows the Springboks will be desperate to conclude their season with a win. He believes his team can make a statement, saying, "They'll be hungry without a doubt... We know it's going to be tough, but this is our backyard."
The Test match is significant, as it marks exactly one year until the start of the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host. For the Wallabies, it's an opportunity to lay down a marker on their road to the tournament. Kiss emphasized the importance of being "fireproof" in every way to succeed in the World Cup. The teams have announced their lineups, with the Wallabies starting Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Len Ikitau, and Hunter Paisami in their backline.
The Springboks have named Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, and Andre Esterhuizen, who will captain the team for the first time, in their backline. The match will be refereed by Andrea Piardi from Italy, with Ben O'Keeffe and James Doleman from New Zealand serving as assistant referees. The teams have a history of intense matches, including a 1937 Test that descended into a brawl.
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard, who will start against the Wallabies, has spoken about his ambitions for the 2027 World Cup and his role in mentoring younger players. Meanwhile, Andre Esterhuizen has faced questions about an alleged 2012 racial-abuse incident, which the Springboks have addressed ahead of the match.
The match is expected to be a tough and physical encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement. The Wallabies are looking to build momentum for the 2027 World Cup, while the Springboks aim to conclude their season on a high note. The teams will face off at Optus Stadium in Perth, with kick-off scheduled for 11:45 am local time.
The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series has a long history, and this match is expected to be a thrilling encounter. The Springboks and Wallabies have a reputation for producing intense and physical matches, and Sunday's Test is likely to be no exception. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, both teams will be eager to make a statement and build momentum for the tournament.
Key points
- The Springboks are looking to finish their grueling international season on a high note against the Wallabies.
- The Wallabies are motivated to cause an upset under new coach Les Kiss.
- The match marks exactly one year until the start of the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.
