Jasper Wiese believes the Springboks can use their narrow defeat to Australia as motivation when they return to Test rugby later this year.
South Africa suffered a dramatic 42-38 loss to the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday, ending their latest stretch of international fixtures on a disappointing note. Despite the result, Wiese believes the experience could prove valuable as the team looks ahead to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Springboks departed Australia on Monday, with players now returning to their respective clubs and provincial unions before regrouping for the November international window.
Wiese sees defeat as motivation
The Perth defeat was particularly frustrating for South Africa after they mounted a late comeback that threatened to produce an extraordinary turnaround.
Wiese, who celebrated his 50th Test appearance during the weekend, acknowledged the disappointment but insisted the setback could fuel the squad’s determination.
The experienced forward believes the desire within the group to represent South Africa remains as strong as ever.
Rather than allowing the defeat to derail their preparations, Wiese expects the experience to sharpen the team’s focus when they next assemble.
Valuable lessons ahead of the 2027 World Cup
With the Rugby World Cup taking place in Australia next year, the Perth Test offered the Springboks an opportunity to experience the conditions and logistical demands they will encounter during the tournament.
Wiese believes that exposure could be important when South Africa return for the global showpiece.
The trip provided the squad with first-hand knowledge of the travel arrangements, playing environment and match-day conditions that could form part of their World Cup experience.
For the Springboks, the challenge now is to turn those lessons into improvements before the tournament begins.
Esterhuizen points to discipline and execution
South Africa’s comeback could not completely erase the problems that had put them in a difficult position.
The Springboks went into half-time trailing 24-17 before Australia extended its advantage to 42-17 after 65 minutes. A late surge brought South Africa back within four points, but the Wallabies held on for victory.
Andre Esterhuizen, who captained the team on the day, identified discipline and execution as two areas that ultimately cost the Springboks.
Despite the intensity of the match, Esterhuizen felt the team understood its tactical approach. The issue was more about executing that plan consistently and avoiding errors that Australia was able to punish.
Northern tour now becomes the focus
The Springboks’ next Test assignment will come in November when they begin a demanding European tour.
South Africa will face Italy in Turin on 7 November before travelling to Paris to meet France on 13 November. Their final scheduled Test of the tour will be against Ireland in Dublin on 21 November.
The team will then head to London for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend from 27 to 29 November.
Springboks’ upcoming fixtures
- 7 November: Italy v South Africa — Allianz Stadium, Turin — 16:00
- 13 November: France v South Africa — Stade de France, Paris — 22:00
- 21 November: Ireland v South Africa — Aviva Stadium, Dublin — 19:30
- 27–29 November: Nations Championship Finals Weekend — Twickenham Stadium, London — kick-off TBC
The Perth defeat has given the Springboks plenty to analyse, but Wiese’s message is clear: the setback can become part of the learning process as South Africa builds towards a major 2027 campaign.
Can the Springboks turn the lessons from Perth into a stronger November tour?
