How new-look Springboks could line up against Wallabies

The Springboks have completed a long journey to Australia as they now begin preparations for a one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.

Next Sunday’s match, which will be hosted at the Optus Stadium, will mark the first time the two teams meet this year and will represent another significant occasion for Erasmus and his charges to prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia.

After a gruelling four-Test series against the All Blacks, several first-choice players are expected to be rested, while game-time will be afforded to others who will hope to stake a claim for selection ahead of the end-of-year tour.

The likes of Aphelele Fassi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams, Franco Mostert and Johan Grobbelaar are among several players who will be looking forward to some action after missing out on consistent game time this season either due to fitness or form.

Kick off next Sunday is at 11:30 (SA time).

HOW THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP AGAINST WALLABIES

SPRINGBOKS (possible selection) – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.

Subs: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Quan Horn.

It was already recently confirmed by Rassie Erasmus that Pollard has now recovered from his injury, and will face the Wallabies barring any other unforeseen circumstances.

The 32-year-old has only featured in seven Tests over the last two years, but he is still viewed as an important member of the Springbok squad based on his experience, leadership and renowned goal-kicking.

Similarly, Franco Mostert – who suffered an injury in the season-opener against the Barbarians – is also expected to return for the clash against Australia when Erasmus is expected to name a largely new-look team.

First things first

Just as the Springboks touched down in Australia, Erasmus admitted that they expected to face an Australia team with a point to prove.

“We have no doubt that we will be facing a determined Wallabies side that will want to put on a good show in front of their home crowd, and they will present a completely different challenge to that which we have faced in the last few Test matches.

“The Wallabies have been playing well, and we have no doubt they will come out firing in this match, which will require another full 80-minute performance from us to get the desired result next weekend.”