The Springboks have confirmed exactly when Rassie Erasmus will unveil his matchday 23 for Sunday’s one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
With the clash at Optus Stadium fast approaching, attention is now turning to the players who will be selected for the encounter, with several changes expected following the demanding Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.
Erasmus will announce the Springbok team on Tuesday at 10:30 SA time, giving supporters their first official look at the starting XV and replacements for the Wallabies showdown.
The Test itself is scheduled to kick off at 11:45 SA time on Sunday.
Several changes expected in Springbok lineup
The Springboks are expected to rotate their squad for the Australian challenge, with Handre Pollard, Franco Mostert and Canan Moodie among the players tipped to return to the starting lineup.
A possible Springbok selection is:
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.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok and Quan Horn.
The selection remains subject to Erasmus’ official announcement on Tuesday.
Erasmus expecting a different challenge
The Springboks’ coaching staff have stressed that Australia will present a markedly different test from the one they faced against New Zealand.
Erasmus noted that the Wallabies enter the contest with fresh momentum, having won four of their last five matches, while South Africa are coming off a physically demanding series against the All Blacks.
The coach has also made it clear that the previous Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures will have little bearing on Sunday’s Test.
Captain Siya Kolisi echoed that assessment, saying the Springboks will maintain their core principles while adapting their approach to Australia’s style of play.
Du Toit and De Allende released from camp
The Springboks also confirmed that Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have been released from the squad to spend time with their families following the heavy workload of the recent New Zealand series.
The remainder of the squad continues preparations for the Wallabies encounter.
All eyes will now be on Erasmus when he names the official 23 on Tuesday morning, with the final selection set to provide a clearer indication of South Africa’s tactical approach for the Perth Test.
