Confirmed: Two Springboks released from camp

The Springboks are currently in Australia preparing for a one-off Test against the Wallabies at the Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September.

It’s a match that will have significance for both sides, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup set to be hosted in Australia, where the Springboks will face Italy in their opening clash in Adelaide on Sunday, 3 October.

Rassie Erasmus is expected to name a new-look team for next weekend’s encounter as he looks to manage the workload of various players.

On that note, Erasmus also revealed that utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende have been released from camp to spend time with their families after a demanding workload during RGR, with sufficient cover within the travelling squad for the match against the Wallabies.

Springboks aware a big challenge lies in store

With a large amount of attention on the Springboks’ 3-1 RGR series win against the All Blacks, Erasmus said that competition was behind them now and emphasised that this clash was vital for the team before they embark on the second leg of the Nations Championship in November.

“This is a Test match against a country we’ve had a rivalry with since I can remember,” said Erasmus.

“Since David Campese scored that beautiful try, Pieter Hendriks got the opening try against them in Cape Town at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and since I played against players like George Gregan and Stephen Larkham when the Brumbies were one of the best teams in the world.

“It’s not a tour we want to finish off casually. This is a great country, and the World Cup is being hosted here next year, so it’s massive to be able to play against the World Cup hosts in a big Test match.”

The match next Sunday kicks off at 11:45 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

REMAINING FIXTURES IN 2026 FOR SOUTH AFRICA

• Sunday 27 September: Wallabies v Boks
  • Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
  • Kick off: 11:45

Nations Championship (End of Year Tour)

• Saturday 7 November: Italy v Boks
  • Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
  • Kick off: 16:00
• Friday 13 November: France v Boks
  • Venue: Stade de France, Paris
  • Kick off: 22:00
• Saturday 21 November: Ireland v Boks
  • Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
  • Kick off: 19:30
• 27–29 November: Finals Weekend
  • Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
  • Kick off: TBC