To kick off the tournament, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a powerful matchday 23 for South Africa’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, including a staggering 18 Rugby World Cup winners.
The Springboks seek a fifth straight win over the Wallabies, following four victories between 2022 and 2024. Leading the charge will be Eben Etzebeth, who is set to earn his 134th Test cap, moving him into joint-10th on the all-time international appearance list alongside Gethin Jenkins of Wales.
Erasmus picked Fassi, Arendse, and Van der Merwe as the back-three, while Kriel and Esterhuizen line up in midfield. Meanwhile, Manie Libbok and Grant Williams start at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.
In a notable switch, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi will start at No.8 for the first time in a Test, joining Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden in the loose trio. Etzebeth joins De Jager in the second row, while Nche, Marx, and Louw form the front row.
Depth and Experience Key to Bok Strategy
The Springboks’ bench includes a five-three split, with Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Asenathi Ntlabakanye covering the front row. Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith offer further forward reinforcement, while Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, and Damian Willemse cover the backline.
Only one Springboks player—Ntlabakanye—made his Test debut during last month’s Castle Lager Incoming Series. He, Wessels, and Van der Merwe are, therefore, the only squad members with five or fewer caps.
“Us as the Springboks have been experimenting with combinations during the Incoming Series and our conditioning camp,” Erasmus explained. “We believe this team allows us to play the style of rugby we want against Australia. All the starters, except Edwill, have faced them before, and we believe he’s ready.”
Cheslin Kolbe has recovered from a niggle but won’t be rushed back into action. Erasmus remains cautious, particularly given Australia’s confidence after beating the Lions, as they chase their first-ever victory at Ellis Park.
“They’re physical and well-coached; therefore, we expect a hard-fought battle,” said Erasmus.
Springboks Team to Face Australia at Ellis Park
Starting Team
15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Andre Esterhuizen
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
10 Manie Libbok
9 Grant Williams
8 Siya Kolisi (captain)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
6 Marco van Staden
5 Lood de Jager
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Wilco Louw
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nche
Replacement Springboks
16 Bongi Mbonambi
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19 Franco Mostert
20 Kwagga Smith
21 Cobus Reinach
22 Canan Moodie
23 Damian Willemse
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