The Springboks make 13 changes for their Test against Australia as Andre Esterhuizen captains the side for the first time.
The Springboks (1.42) face Australia (3.00) in Perth on Sunday with a heavily rotated starting side. Coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes following South Africa’s series win over New Zealand.
The Importance Of This Test
Both sides use this fixture as valuable preparation ahead of next year’s home World Cup. Australia (202.05) enter full of confidence after five matches unbeaten under new coach Les Kiss. The Wallabies won series against Japan and Argentina during that impressive recent run.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrives fresh off a 3-1 series win over the All Blacks. Erasmus has used the opportunity to test depth ahead of the 2027 tournament. Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retain their starting places from the Baltimore victory.
A Historic Captaincy For Esterhuizen
Andre Esterhuizen captains the Springboks (2.00) for the first time in his career on Sunday. He becomes the 68th different player to lead South Africa in the team’s history. Etzebeth will also extend his own record as South Africa’s most-capped player to 147 Tests.
Herschel Jantjies returns to the starting side for the first time since 2021. Handre Pollard and Franco Mostert also return to bolster an otherwise inexperienced starting pack.
Tactical Battle Lines
Australia will look to move the Springbok defence around using pace and width. Winger Max Jorgensen offers a particular attacking threat after scoring against South Africa last year. The aerial contest could prove decisive, with Handre Pollard’s boot testing Ethan Hooker directly.
South Africa’s set piece remains their central weapon regardless of personnel changes. Prop Taniela Tupou has already acknowledged the physical challenge posed by South Africa’s pack. Australia’s coaching staff have specifically prepared to counter South Africa’s dangerous kicking game.
Historic Overview And Prediction
South Africa has won five of the last six meetings between these two rivals. That record includes victories by 18 and 26 points during their last two visits to Australia.
Coach Kiss expects a hungry opponent despite the wholesale Springbok changes: “They’ve got 10 World Cup winners. This is a big Test team,” Kiss said.
South Africa’s bench still features experienced names like Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche. That depth, combined with their set-piece dominance, should ultimately prove decisive in Perth.
Prediction: Springboks to win by seven points.
