Rassie Erasmus named a powerful Springbok matchday squad for the Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday. The 23 includes 18 Rugby World Cup winners, underlining South Africa’s continuity and depth for Springboks vs Wallabies. Kick-off is at 17:10.
Only three Boks selected—Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Edwill van der Merwe and Asenathi Ntlabakanye—have five Test caps or fewer. Ntlabakanye is the most recent debutant. Erasmus kept the backline settled. Aphelele Fassi starts at fullback with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Van der Merwe on the wings. Jesse Kriel pairs André Esterhuizen in midfield. Manie Libbok partners Grant Williams at halfback.
Kolisi at No 8; Etzebeth Hits Major Milestone
Siya Kolisi shifts to No 8 for the first time in a Test. He joins Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden in a robust loose trio. Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his Springbok caps record to 134. This moves him into joint 10th on the all-time men’s list alongside Wales’ Gethin Jenkins. Springboks vs Wallabies also brings added edge as South Africa chase a fifth straight win over Australia.
Erasmus on Selection Calls
“We’ve been experimenting with player combinations… and we believe this team will allow us to play the type of rugby we want to play against Australia,” said Erasmus.
He noted Damian de Allende’s back niggle. He also confirmed Esterhuizen with Kriel in midfield. Meanwhile, Cheslin Kolbe trains but sits out as a precaution. Furthermore, according to SA Rugby, Erasmus expects a “physical and well-coached” Wallabies outfit following their British & Irish Lions series.
History at Ellis Park and The Bench Mix
South Africa remain unbeaten against Australia at Ellis Park. They could win five Tests in a row against the Wallabies for the first time in over 50 years. Erasmus opted for a 5-3 split on the bench. Bongi Mbonambi, Wessels, and Ntlabakanye cover the front row. Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith act as utility forwards. Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, and Damian Willemse are among the backs. For Springboks vs Wallabies, those impact options could prove decisive late on.
