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2026-09-26 02:21 UTC → 2026-09-29 18:22 UTC ·
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Springboks squad changes for Wallabies lose high-scoring Perth Test to Wallabies
Ahead of a Test match against Following the Wallabies in Perth, South Africa rugby coach Rassie Erasmus released veteran players departure of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende from the Springboks squad to allow them to return home to be with their families. Following these departures, families, Rassie Erasmus announced implemented 13 changes to the Springboks starting line-up for the upcoming fixture at Optus Stadium. Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retain their positions from the previous Test match against New Zealand. Etzebeth is set to extend his record to 147 Test caps. the Wallabies in Perth. The squad adjustments include revamped squad, led by captain André Esterhuizen, saw the return of fly-half Handré Pollard from injury and the inclusion of scrum-half Herschel Jantjies. André Esterhuizen has been named captain for the match, a move intended to build Only Eben Etzebeth, reaching 147 Test caps, and Ethan Hooker retained their positions from the team’s leadership core. Erasmus also indicated previous match against New Zealand. In a potential positional experiment involving Malcolm Marx on high-scoring encounter at Optus Stadium, the flank, Springboks suffered a move that 42-38 defeat to Australia. The loss drew reservations criticism from former coach Nick Mallett. Erasmus explained that the decision to implement these changes, resulting in a squad with significantly fewer total caps than captain Victor Matfield, who questioned the team team’s tactical decisions. Matfield specifically noted that recently defeated South Africa lost the All Blacks, is part of a broader strategy to maintain performance and build depth between World Cup tournaments. For aerial battle, expressing confusion over the Wallabies, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’alii moves decision to a new wing role repeatedly kick toward Joseph-Aukuso Sua’alii, who was difficult to counter South African aerial dominance. This match serves contain. Despite the defeat, flanker Paul de Villiers stated the result would serve as a vital Test before motivation for the upcoming Nations Championship in November. De Villiers emphasized that the team gained valuable experience regarding errors and penalty concessions, viewing the Australian tour as essential preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.