The Springboks are expected to field a significantly changed side when they face the Wallabies in Perth next Sunday.
After completing a demanding four-Test series against New Zealand, Rassie Erasmus is likely to use the one-off Test against Australia to manage his first-choice players while giving valuable game time to members of his wider squad.
The clash at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September kicks off at 11:30 SA time and will be South Africa’s first meeting with Australia this year.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup also taking place in Australia, the Perth Test provides another opportunity for Erasmus to assess his options ahead of the global tournament.
Several Springboks set for an opportunity
The physical demands of the All Blacks series are expected to influence Erasmus’ selection.
Several established players could be rested, creating opportunities for players who have either been sidelined by injury or have struggled for regular Test game time.
Among those in line for increased involvement are Aphelele Fassi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams, Franco Mostert and Johan Grobbelaar.
For those players, the Wallabies clash represents an important opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their cases for future selection.
Pollard set for Springbok return
One of the biggest talking points will be the expected return of Handre Pollard.
Erasmus has confirmed that the experienced flyhalf has recovered from injury and is expected to feature against Australia, provided there are no late setbacks.
Pollard has made only seven Test appearances over the past two years, but remains an important part of the Springbok squad.
His experience, leadership and goal-kicking ability could prove particularly valuable as South Africa continue to manage their squad and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The Perth Test could therefore provide Pollard with an opportunity to rebuild match sharpness before the end-of-year international programme.
Mostert also expected back
Lock Franco Mostert is another experienced player expected to return to the starting line-up.
Mostert suffered an injury in South Africa’s season opener against the Barbarians and could now make his return against Australia.
His inclusion would add experience to a side that could feature a number of less-established players.
Possible Springboks XV vs Wallabies
Based on the expected rotation and the players likely to receive an opportunity, the Springboks could line up as follows:
15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Canan Moodie
12 André Esterhuizen
11 Ethan Hooker
10 Handre Pollard
9 Grant Williams
8 Cameron Hanekom
7 Elrigh Louw
6 Paul de Villiers
5 Franco Mostert
4 Cobus Wiese
3 Thomas du Toit
2 Johan Grobbelaar
1 Boan Venter
Possible replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok and Quan Horn.
The final team will only be confirmed closer to kick-off, but the possible selection underlines the depth available to Erasmus.
Wallabies will provide a different challenge
While the Springboks may rotate their squad, Australia will have plenty of motivation heading into the Perth encounter.
The Wallabies will have home advantage and will be determined to make an impression against the world champions.
Erasmus has already acknowledged that Australia will present a different challenge to the one South Africa faced during the All Blacks series.
The Springbok coach expects the hosts to play with intensity and believes his side will need another complete performance across the full 80 minutes.
“We have no doubt that we will be facing a determined Wallabies side that will want to put on a good show in front of their home crowd,” Erasmus said.
A key opportunity before the World Cup
Although the immediate priority will be the Perth Test, the fixture also forms part of South Africa’s broader preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Australia will host the tournament next year, making the Springboks’ trip to Perth particularly useful as the coaching staff continue to assess players and combinations.
For Pollard, Mostert and several of the younger or less experienced players, the Test could provide valuable minutes.
For Erasmus, it is another chance to balance player welfare with the need to maintain competitive standards.
The Springboks will therefore arrive in Perth with a different-looking squad, but the objective remains the same: deliver an 80-minute performance against a motivated Wallabies side.
Springboks vs Wallabies kicks off at 11:30 SA time on Sunday, 27 September.
