South Africa have completely reshaped their starting fifteen for the upcoming one‑off Test against the Wallabies in Perth, introducing thirteen fresh faces into the squad. Only two players – lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker – keep their starting spots from the side that defeated New Zealand 43‑28 in Baltimore, securing a 3‑1 lead in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Etzebeth, who will now hold the record as the most‑capped Springbok with 147 Test appearances, leads a revamped forward pack. Props Jan‑Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will team up with hooker Johan Grobbelaar to form a brand‑new front row, while veteran lock Franco Mostert returns to the Test arena for the first time since his November clash with Wales.
The back‑row also sees a reshuffle, with Etzebeth moving back into the second row to provide experience and stability. In the play‑making department, two‑time World Cup champion fly‑half Handre Pollard is back from a calf injury and is set to partner with a fully fit scrum‑half Herschel Jantjies. This new halves combination aims to bring fresh creativity and tactical kicking to a side that will need to adapt quickly to the distinct style of the Australian side. Centre Andre Esterhuizen has been handed the captaincy, becoming the 68th player to lead South Africa at the senior level.
His appointment reflects both his leadership qualities and the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to marshal the backline against a formidable opponent. Despite the extensive changes, only three members of the starting fifteen have fewer than ten Test caps – winger Edwill van der Merwe, lock Paul de Villiers and prop Zachary Porthen. The remaining players bring a blend of seasoned experience and emerging talent, a balance that head coach Rassie Erasmus believes will be crucial in confronting Australia’s unique brand of rugby.
"Australia presents a completely different threat compared with New Zealand in the way they play, so we think these combinations are best suited for the challenge we will face against them," Erasmus explained. He added that the squad’s composition reflects a strategic response to the Wallabies’ physicality, speed and tactical kicking game, which differ markedly from the All Blacks’ style. The Springboks also chose to give veteran duo Pieter‑Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende a rest, allowing them to return home for family time after a demanding few months of international duty. "They have had a heavy workload and they deserve a break," Erasmus said, emphasizing the importance of player welfare and long‑term sustainability.
Australia, meanwhile, are expected to announce their own lineup on Friday. Reports suggest that centre Joseph Suaalii will start on the wing, providing a dynamic attacking option for the Wallabies. The Australian side enters the match having won four of their last five games, with their only non‑victory being a draw against the Pumas in Argentina, indicating a strong recent form.
The Springbok starting XV will be: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies; 1 Marco van Staden, 2 Elrigh Louw, 3 Paul de Villiers, 4 Franco Mostert, 5 Eben Etzebeth, 6 Zachary Porthen, 7 Johan Grobbelaar, 8 Jan‑Hendrik Wessels. The bench will feature Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu and Quan Horn. The match is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, with kickoff at 10:45 a.m.
local time. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+, offering fans around the world a chance to watch what promises to be a tightly contested encounter between two of the sport’s most storied nations. The Springboks will be looking to capitalize on their depth and the fresh impetus provided by the new selections, while the Wallabies will aim to exploit any lack of cohesion in the South African side. Both coaches have highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience, setting the stage for a compelling showdown on Australian soil.