South Africa have completely reshaped their starting XV for the upcoming one‑off Test against the Wallabies in Perth, introducing thirteen fresh faces into the squad for Sunday’s encounter. Only two players – lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker – have retained their starting positions from the side that secured a 43‑28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore, a win that clinched the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with a 3‑1 margin. Etzebeth, who will line up at lock, is set to extend his own record as the most‑capped Springbok in history, moving onto his 147th Test appearance.
His longevity and experience will be a cornerstone for a side that is otherwise undergoing a massive overhaul. In the front row, the coaching staff have paired new prop Jan‑Hendrik Wessels with fellow newcomer Zachary Porthen, while veteran hooker Johan Grobbelaar will marshal the pack, forming a front‑row combination that has yet to play together in a Test environment. The half‑back pairing also sees a fresh configuration. Two‑time World Cup champion fly‑half Handre Pollard has recovered from a calf injury and is back in the squad, now linking with scrum‑half Herschel Jantjies, who has regained full fitness.
This new halves partnership is expected to bring a blend of tactical kicking, creative play‑making and quick service from the base of the scrum and rucks. Centre Andre Esterhuizen has been handed the captaincy for this match, becoming the 68th player to lead South Africa at the international level. His appointment underscores the trust placed in him by head coach Rassie Erasmus, who highlighted Esterhuizen’s leadership qualities and his ability to organise the backline under pressure.
Lock Franco Mostert will make his first Test appearance since the November encounter with Wales, adding further depth to the second‑row options. Despite the sweeping changes, only three of the starting fifteen have fewer than ten caps: winger Edwill van der Merwe, lock Paul de Villiers and prop Zachary Porthen. The rest of the lineup boasts a mixture of seasoned veterans and players who have been on the periphery of the national squad for some time. Erasmus explained the rationale behind the extensive reshuffle, noting that Australia presents a distinct set of challenges compared with New Zealand.
“Australia poses a completely different threat to New Zealand in the way they play, so we believe these combinations would be best suited for the challenge that we will face against them,” the South African coach said. He added that the Wallabies have been in good form, winning four of their last five matches, with the sole blemish being a draw against the Pumas in Argentina. The coach also confirmed that veteran stars Pieter‑Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende will be allowed to return home for a break, citing the heavy workload they endured over the preceding months.
“They had a heavy workload in the last few months, and they deserve a break,” Erasmus remarked, emphasizing the importance of player welfare and family time. On the Australian side, head coach Les Kiss is expected to announce his lineup on Friday. Rumour mills suggest that dynamic centre Joseph Suaalii will be given a starting berth on the wing, reflecting the Wallabies’ intent to field a balanced mix of experience and youthful exuberance. The South African starting fifteen, as announced, is as follows: 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 includes: 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. 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 the Springboks take on the Wallabies in what promises to be a tightly contested and strategically fascinating encounter.
The game will serve as a crucial test for Erasmus’s revamped squad, providing a platform for many of the new caps to prove their worth on the international stage and for the seasoned players to guide them through the pressures of a high‑stakes Test match. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, this fixture also carries broader implications for both nations. For South Africa, a strong performance could cement Erasmus’s vision of a deeper talent pool and a more adaptable playing style, while for Australia, a win would reinforce their recent resurgence and boost confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments. The clash therefore offers not just a battle for the day’s three points, but a glimpse into the evolving narratives of two of rugby’s most storied rugby powers.