Springboks Name Strong Side for Rugby Championship Opener Against Australia
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an experienced squad with eighteen World Cup winners for the Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park.
- Eben Etzebeth is poised to reach a major career milestone this weekend at Ellis Park.
- Siya Kolisi’s new role in the team hints at fresh tactics as the Boks prepare to face the Wallabies.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a powerful squad for South Africa’s opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, kick-off at 17:10.
Erasmus has been involved with the Springboks’ coaching setup since 2018, guiding South Africa to World Cup glory in 2019 as head coach and has served as director of rugby.
Under his leadership, the Boks have maintained a winning rate of nearly 74%, which ranks as the the sixth-best in team history.
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He named a team that includes eighteen Rugby World Cup winners and just three players with five or fewer Test caps: utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels, wing Edwill van der Merwe, and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who made his Test debut against Italy in July.
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South Africa aims for a fifth consecutive win over the Wallabies, having beaten them in all four previous Rugby Championship encounters since 2022.
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Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth will make history by becoming the most capped Springbok ever with 134 Test appearances, moving him to joint 10th on the all-time global list.
The backline features Aphelele Fassi at fullback, with wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe. Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen form the midfield partnership, replacing an injured Damian de Allende. Halfbacks Manie Libbok and Grant Williams will steer the play.
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Siya Kolisi will wear the No. 8 jersey for the first time in a Test, flanked by flankers Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden. Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager will hold the lock positions, supported by a front row of props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw, and hooker Malcolm Marx.
The bench includes five forwards, Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, and Kwagga Smith and three backs, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, and Damian Willemse.
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Erasmus said the team reflects the combinations tested during their conditioning camp and recent matches. “We believe this squad will play the style of rugby needed against Australia. The Wallabies will be fired up to end their losing streak, but we’re ready,” he added.
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The coach confirmed De Allende’s injury but praised Esterhuizen’s form. Cheslin Kolbe, recovering from a minor niggle, has been rested, giving Van der Merwe a chance to impress.
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Australia, which comes off a win against South Africa ‘A’ and a narrow defeat to the British & Irish Lions, will be a tough opponent eager to secure their first win at Ellis Park.
Springboks coach negotiating contract extension.
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is reportedly in negotiations with SA Rugby (SARU) over a possible contract extension beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Erasmus’ current deal is set to expire after the global showpiece, but Rapport reports that at least two overseas clubs are closely monitoring the situation and could make a move for the 58-year-old.
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