Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a new-look team for Saturday’s Test against Australia in Perth, Esterhuizen as Captain.
The match will bring several significant milestones. Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Test cap from the replacements bench, while Andre Esterhuizen will captain South Africa for the first time.
Esterhuizen will become the 68th player to captain the Springboks.
Erasmus Makes 13 Changes for Perth
Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting lineup following South Africa’s 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore.
Only lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker retain their places in the starting XV.
The changes begin in the front row. Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will start at prop, with Johan Grobbelaar taking the hooker position.
Etzebeth will partner Franco Mostert in the second row. Meanwhile, Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden complete the loose-forward combination.
The Springboks will also field a new halfback pairing. Herschel Jantjies starts at scrumhalf, while Handre Pollard returns at flyhalf.
Pollard has recovered from the injury niggle that kept him out of the recent Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match.
Erasmus chooses Esterhuizen to take Captaincy
Esterhuizen will partner Canan Moodie in midfield, with Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe and Aphelele Fassi forming the back three.
The captaincy represents another important step in Esterhuizen’s international career.
“He captained the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and he has brought so much to our squad off and on the field,” Erasmus said.
“He thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
Erasmus also believes Esterhuizen’s leadership will strengthen the Springboks’ wider leadership group.
Several players have captained South Africa in recent seasons. Therefore, the coach sees the Perth Test as another opportunity to develop that leadership core.
“We trust that he is the right man to take over the captaincy in this match,” Erasmus said.
Strong Squad Provides Plenty of Experience
Nine players in the 23-man squad featured in the final Test against New Zealand in the United States.
Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and Wilco Louw will provide cover in the front row. Lood de Jager will cover lock, while Wiese offers loose-forward cover.
The backline replacements include Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Quan Horn.
Wiese’s appearance from the bench will also mark his 50th Test for South Africa.
Why Erasmus Made Changes
Erasmus said the squad had worked hard throughout the past few months.
He added that every player had opportunities during either the first leg of the Nations Championship, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, or both.
Players such as Pollard and Moodie have also returned from injury.
“Each player in this squad has been working hard at training over the last few months,” Erasmus said.
He believes the combinations selected are suited to Australia’s style.
“Australia poses a completely different threat to New Zealand in the way they play,” he explained.
“Therefore, we believe these combinations would be best suited for the challenge.”
Key Players Get a Break
South Africa will be without Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende for the Perth Test.
Erasmus said both players had carried a heavy workload during recent months.
The coaching staff had planned to rest them if the previous matches went according to schedule.
“They deserve a break,” Erasmus said.
As a result, the pair have been released from camp and can spend time with their families.
Springboks Prepare for a Tough Australian Challenge
The Springboks have adjusted their schedule to manage the squad’s workload.
Erasmus said the team worked closely with Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards to manage the players after several demanding Tests and extensive travel.
The squad had several days off before completing two days of training in Terrigal.
They then returned to their normal Test-week programme on Tuesday.
Australia presents another demanding challenge for South Africa.
The Wallabies have produced strong results recently, winning four of their last five matches. Their other result was a draw against Argentina.
They also suffered a narrow defeat against Ireland in the Nations Championship. In addition, Australia recorded a comprehensive victory over Italy.
The home crowd will add another challenge for the Springboks.
Erasmus Expects a Physical Test
Erasmus expects Australia to approach the match with plenty of intent.
“They are a proud nation and will certainly want to continue building momentum,” he said.
Australia will also have upcoming clashes against New Zealand and matches in the second leg of the Nations Championship in November.
“They are going to throw everything at us,” Erasmus added.
The coach also highlighted Australia’s physical forwards and dangerous backline.
“As a result, it will take another big performance from us to get the result,” he said.
Springbok Team to Face Australia
Starting XV
- 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
- 16. Malcolm Marx
- 17. Ox Nche
- 18. Wilco Louw
- 19. Lood de Jager
- 20. Jasper Wiese
- 21. Morne van den Berg
- 22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- 23. Quan Horn
