The Springboks will head into Sunday’s clash with Australia in Perth with a significantly reshuffled squad — but there is another interesting story behind Rassie Erasmus’ match-day 23.
The players selected to face the Wallabies come from schools across South Africa, with several of the country’s well-known rugby institutions represented.
Among the headline selections is Andre Esterhuizen, who will captain the Springboks for the first time and become the 68th player to lead South Africa.
Esterhuizen is not the only player making a milestone appearance. Jasper Wiese is set to earn his 50th Test cap when he comes off the bench.
13 changes for the Wallabies Test
Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting XV that defeated New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore.
Only lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker retain their starting places from that victory.
Esterhuizen will move into the captaincy role after previously leading the Hollywoodbets Sharks. Erasmus believes the experienced centre has earned the opportunity through his contributions to the Springbok setup.
The match will also give several players the chance to stake their claim as South Africa continues to build depth within the squad.
Rassie expects a physical Australian challenge
While the Springboks have made plenty of changes, Erasmus is taking nothing for granted against the Wallabies.
The Australian side has shown improved form and, according to Erasmus, will bring a physical forward pack and dangerous backline to the contest.
“They are going to throw everything at us,” Erasmus said, warning that South Africa will need another strong performance to secure the result.
The Test kicks off at 11:45 South African time on Sunday, 27 September, with live coverage on SuperSport.
The schools behind the Springbok squad
The match-day squad features players who attended schools from across the country.
| Position | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Aphelele Fassi | Dale College |
| 14 | Edwill van der Merwe | Paul Roos |
| 13 | Canan Moodie | Boland Landbou |
| 12 | Andre Esterhuizen | Klerksdorp |
| 11 | Ethan Hooker | Westville Boys’ High |
| 10 | Handre Pollard | Paarl Gimnasium |
| 9 | Herschel Jantjies | Paul Roos |
| 8 | Marco van Staden | Hoërskool Bekker |
| 7 | Elrigh Louw | Transvalia |
| 6 | Paul de Villiers | Oakdale |
| 5 | Franco Mostert | Brits |
| 4 | Eben Etzebeth | Tygerberg |
| 3 | Zachary Porthen | Wynberg |
| 2 | Johan Grobbelaar | Paarl Gimnasium |
| 1 | Jan-Hendrik Wessels | Grey College |
| 16 | Malcolm Marx | KES |
| 17 | Ox Nche | HTS Louis Botha |
| 18 | Wilco Louw | HTS Drostdy |
| 19 | Lood de Jager | Hoërskool Hugenote |
| 20 | Jasper Wiese | Upington |
| 21 | Morne van den Berg | Linden |
| 22 | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | Bishops |
| 23 | Quan Horn | Paarl Boys High |
Paul Roos and Paarl Gimnasium are the only schools represented by two players in the 23-man squad.
That makes the Perth Test more than just another international fixture for the schools represented — it is another reminder of the role South Africa’s school rugby system continues to play in producing Test-level talent.
Which school has produced the most famous rugby player you know? Let us know in the comments.
