Australia have been forced into a late change ahead of their highly anticipated Test against South Africa after lock Josh Canham was ruled out with a mild hamstring injury.
Canham picked up the injury during the Wallabies’ preparations in Perth and will miss Sunday’s clash with the Springboks at Optus Stadium. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been promoted into the starting XV, while Lachlan Shaw comes onto the replacements bench.
Canham absence a blow for Australia
The loss of Canham is particularly significant given his role in Australia’s lineout and his strong performances during the 2026 Test season.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson acknowledged the setback but backed Salakaia-Loto to make an impact against a Springbok pack renowned for its physical approach.
Australia’s coaching staff will now look to Salakaia-Loto to provide experience and power in the second row as the Wallabies prepare for one of their toughest challenges of the year.
The Wallabies enter the contest unbeaten under coach Les Kiss, having secured a series victory in Argentina before turning their attention to the world champions.
Springboks arrive after All Blacks series triumph
South Africa head into the Perth Test after winning the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand 3-1.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to his starting lineup for the Australia clash, with Andre Esterhuizen named captain and Handre Pollard returning at flyhalf.
Despite the changes, Australia know they face a formidable challenge against a Springbok side that remains the benchmark at the top level of international rugby.
The match will also decide the Mandela Challenge Plate, adding another layer of significance to Sunday’s encounter.
Wallabies vs Springboks: Teams
Australia
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Harry Potter.
South Africa
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn.
The Test is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September at Optus Stadium in Perth, with kick-off at 17:30 local time (11:30 SA time) according to World Rugby’s match listing.
For Australia, the challenge is clear: overcome the reigning world champions while maintaining the momentum built under Kiss. For South Africa, the Perth Test provides another opportunity to test their depth after a major reshuffle.
