Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a completely new team for their one-off Test against Australia in Perth on 27 September 2026. The match will mark significant milestones for several players, including Jasper Wiese, who will earn his 50th Test cap from the replacements bench. Hybrid player Andre Esterhuizen is set to become the 68th South African to captain the team.
Erasmus made 13 changes to his starting lineup, with only lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker retaining their places. The decision reflects a strategic shift as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup. Some players, including Malcolm Marx, may be tested in new positions, adding an experimental element to the squad.
Fans are warned not to expect an immediate strong performance, as the team has been “idling for a hell of a long time.” Despite this, the Springboks remain hungry to play. The match at Optus Stadium is expected to be a challenging encounter, with the Wallabies presenting a different challenge than before.
The selection highlights Erasmus’s willingness to take risks and adapt, even as he faces pressure to address the aging squad. The Test will serve as a crucial opportunity to gauge new strategies and player performances ahead of the World Cup.
