Springbok Legend Jean De Villiers Stunned by Rassie Erasmus’ Surprise Omission for Wallabies Test
- Jean de Villiers has questioned Rassie Erasmus’ decision to leave one notable name out of the Springbok match-day squad for Perth
- The former Springbok captain explained why the surprise omission stood out to him as Erasmus reshuffled his team for the Wallabies Test
- Schalk Burger also weighed in on the selection debate and highlighted what could give the Springboks an advantage in the second half
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Springbok legend Jean de Villiers has been left surprised by Rassie Erasmus’ decision to leave one player out of the match-day 23 for Sunday’s Wallabies Test in Perth. Erasmus made 13 changes to the team that defeated New Zealand in Baltimore, with André Esterhuizen taking over as captain. Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker remain in the starting XV.
Speaking on the Boks Unpacked podcast alongside Schalk Burger and Hanyani Shimange, de Villiers singled out one omission that caught his attention.
“One name I’m surprised isn’t in this 23 is Cameron Hanekom,” de Villiers said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
“He kind of fits the mould of this younger group coming through, and he covers a few positions.”
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Hanekom has six Test caps and scored his second international try in the Springboks’ recent victory over New Zealand.
Springboks face fresh selection challenge in Perth
De Villiers also linked the omission to the wider challenge facing a heavily changed Springbok pack.
“The standard was set at Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry level in terms of physicality and dominance from a set-piece point of view,” he said.
“Can we do it as a group now, as a younger group? I think that’s a great challenge.”
Burger was equally impressed by the player’s recent contribution.
“How good was he in that Baltimore game? The steal, the tackle – it’s physicality, it’s carrying and at the breakdown he’s just as good. He’s a proper player,” Burger said.
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Schalk Burger backs Springbok bench
Burger shifted the focus to the Springboks’ replacements, suggesting the bench could become an important factor as the Perth Test progresses.
With Erasmus making wholesale changes to the starting lineup, Burger acknowledged that the reshuffled side could take time to settle. However, he believes South Africa have plenty of experience and physicality waiting to be introduced.
“Look at our bench, because that’s the one area where I think we’ve got a massive advantage,” Burger said.
He highlighted Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Jasper Wiese as three players who could make a significant impact once they enter the contest.
Burger specifically questioned what the Wallabies would face if the trio arrived around the 50-minute mark.
Shimange summed up the potential impact of the replacements in three words:
“The second wave of destruction.”
The Springboks face Australia at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September 2026, as part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Wallabies confirm changes for Springboks clash
Briefly News also reported that Australia had confirmed their full team for Sunday's one-off Test against the Springboks in Perth, with Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i handed a new role on the wing.
Harry Wilson will captain the Wallabies from No 8, while Les Kiss has made several changes to his side and opted for a 6-2 split on the bench.
The confirmed Australian lineup adds another layer to Sunday's encounter, with the Springboks also fielding a heavily changed side.
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Source: Briefly News
