Springboks Make 13 Changes for Wallabies Test in Perth

The Springboks are back in action this Sunday, September 27, with Rassie Erasmus naming a heavily changed side to face Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Andre Esterhuizen will captain South Africa for the first time, while Handre Pollard returns at flyhalf as the Boks make 13 changes to the starting XV that beat the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore.

Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker keep their starting places from that win, which sealed a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand.

Esterhuizen Gets His Chance to Lead the Boks

One of the biggest talking points is the captaincy. Esterhuizen will become the 68th player to captain the Springboks when he leads the team out in Perth. The 32-year-old starts at inside centre alongside Canan Moodie, with Edwill van der Merwe and Hooker on the wings and Aphelele Fassi returning at fullback.

It is another sign of just how much Erasmus is using the final stretch before the 2027 Rugby World Cup to expand his leadership group, something to keep an eye out on if you’re planning on enjoying rugby betting in South Africa.

Regular captain Siya Kolisi isn’t in the matchday squad, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have also returned home after a demanding run of Tests. Erasmus confirmed that resting the pair had been part of the team’s plans rather than a reaction to the Wallabies clash.

Pollard and Jantjies Reunite in the Halves

Handre Pollard makes his return from a calf injury and starts at number 10, with Herschel Jantjies alongside him at scrumhalf.

The combination brings plenty of experience into what is otherwise a very different Bok starting side.

Up front, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthen form the front row. Etzebeth partners Franco Mostert at lock, while Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden make up the loose trio.

Mostert will also play his first Test since facing Wales in November 2025.

Jasper Wiese Set for 50th Springbok Cap

There is another milestone waiting on the bench.

Jasper Wiese is set to earn his 50th Springbok cap if called into the game, joining a replacement group that gives Erasmus some serious firepower later in the Test.

Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw and Lood de Jager are all among the forwards waiting on the bench, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gives the Boks another attacking option in the backline.

That bench could become particularly important if Australia manage to keep the game tight into the second half.

Wallabies Bring Momentum Into Perth

Anyone expecting an easy afternoon because Erasmus has rotated his squad might want to look at Australia’s recent results first.

The Wallabies have won four of their last five matches, with the other ending in a draw against Argentina. Erasmus has already warned that Australia pose a very different challenge to the All Blacks, particularly through their physical pack and dangerous backline.

Australia have also recalled Jordan Petaia to the wider squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The 26-year-old spent time pursuing an NFL opportunity before playing club rugby in France and Japan.

They have suffered one setback in preparation, however, with Charlie Cale ruled out after suffering another shoulder injury during training. Nick Champion de Crespigny has been called into the squad in his place.

When Do the Springboks Play Australia?

South Africa face Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Kick-off is currently listed for 5:30pm in Perth, which is 11:30am South African time, with the match available to South African viewers on SuperSport.

After the intensity of four straight Tests against New Zealand, this one has a very different feel.

Rassie has given several players a chance to make their case while still keeping enough experience in reserve to change the game. Against a Wallabies side carrying some genuine momentum, we’ll get a pretty good idea of just how deep this Springbok squad really is.

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