Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Test Rugby
International Rugby Union
Australia vs South Africa
Optus Stadium
Perth, Austrailia
Sunday, 27 September 2026
Kick-off is at 11:45
On the back of lifting the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ trophy, the reigning World Champions South Africa will now turn their attention to Australia, who are coming off an impressive unbeaten run this season.
The Springboks recently powered their way to a 3-1 win over New Zealand in the RGR series and capped off the tournament with a dominant 43-28 win in Baltimore.
Despite losing 33-16 in their initial match at Ellis Park on 22 August, Siya Kolisi and company fought back by winning three games on the spin as the All Blacks had little answer to South Africa’s physicality and running game.
Australia have likewise been in impressive form during 2026, claiming three consecutive wins over Japan and Argentina respectively.
However, the Wallabies go into their next game following a 28-28 draw with Argentina in a tense battle that took place at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on 5 September.
The Boks made wholesale changes to their team for the tie in Perth, including a new front row and numerous changes in the backline. Captained by versatile Sharks star Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie have all been recalled into the starting XV.
Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Villiers, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will complete the pack, with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Jasper Wiese summoned to their infamous ‘Bomb Squad’ bench selection.
Speaking on selecting Andre Esterhuizen as captain for the Wallabies clash, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed that the hybrid player is a suitable leader within the team given his impact in various roles during the last couple of years.
“He captained the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and he has brought so much to our squad off and on the field, both at centre and in the loose trio, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” Erasmus said.
“It will also help build our leadership core even more within the team with several players having captained the side over the last few seasons, and we trust that he is the right man to take over the captaincy in this match.”
Springboks: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen (c), Ethan Hooker, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Villiers, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn
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