Springboks Release Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende Before Wallabies Test
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that two players left the touring squad ahead of the Wallabies clash on 27 September
- Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende were released to spend time with their families after a demanding schedule
- Erasmus stressed the significance of the one-off Test in Perth, pointing to the 2027 Rugby World Cup being hosted in Australia
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende have been released from the touring squad in Australia, ahead of next Sunday's one-off Test against the Wallabies.
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The two players were excused from camp following a demanding schedule during the Rugby Global Rankings (RGR) series, with Erasmus satisfied that adequate cover exists within the travelling squad for the match at Optus Stadium in Perth on 27 September.
Erasmus flags importance of Perth clash
Despite attention being focused on South Africa's 3-1 RGR series win over the All Blacks, Erasmus was quick to shift focus to the Wallabies fixture. He described the Test as a significant occasion, particularly given that Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks are scheduled to face Italy in their tournament opener in Adelaide on 3 October.
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Erasmus said South Africa's rivalry with Australia stretched back decades and recalled memorable moments between the two nations, including David Campese's famous try and Pieter Hendriks' opening score against the Wallabies at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Cape Town. He also reflected on facing legendary Australian players such as George Gregan and Stephen Larkham during his playing career, particularly when the Brumbies were among the world's strongest teams.
The Springbok coach stressed that the squad would not treat the trip to Perth lightly, describing Australia as a proud rugby nation and noting the significance of facing the hosts of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in a major Test match.
Erasmus is also expected to select a largely refreshed side for the encounter as he continues to manage player workloads throughout the season.
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Springboks' remaining 2026 fixtures
The Wallabies Test kicks off at 11:45 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Should South Africa come through the Perth fixture, they return to Europe in November for the second leg of the Nations Championship, with matches against Italy in Turin on 7 November, France in Paris on 13 November, and Ireland in Dublin on 21 November, before a Finals Weekend at Twickenham Stadium from 27 to 29 November.
Rassie admits Springboks find Wallabies difficult
Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus reflected on the Springboks' 2024 Ellis Park collapse against Australia, where the Boks blew a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22
The Springboks coach admitted his side has never taken Australia for granted and struggles to analyse their style of play
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
