Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a star-studded matchday squad for Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Ellis Park, featuring 18 Rugby World Cup winners and only one recent debutant.
Kick-off is at 17:10, with the Boks aiming for a fifth straight victory over the Wallabies – a feat they haven’t achieved in over 50 years.
Big Milestone for Etzebeth
Lock Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as South Africa’s most capped player to 134 Tests, moving into joint-10th on the all-time international list alongside Wales’ Gethin Jenkins.
Captain Siya Kolisi will start in the No. 8 jersey for the first time in his Test career, forming a loose trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden.
Form and Firepower
The backline sees Aphelele Fassi at fullback, flanked by wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe – the only starter yet to face Australia. Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen partner in midfield, with Manie Libbok and Grant Williams at halfback.
Up front, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw form the front row, with Etzebeth and Lood de Jager locking down the engine room.
Erasmus has gone for a 5-3 bench split, with experienced impact players including Bongi Mbonambi, Kwagga Smith, Damian Willemse, and Canan Moodie.
Erasmus on the Challenge
“We believe this team will allow us to play the type of rugby we want against Australia,” said Erasmus. “They’ll come out guns blazing, but our players are ready for the challenge.”
Australia arrive in Johannesburg boosted by a 22–12 win after a narrow Lions series loss, but have never won at Ellis Park. The Springboks have won their last six home matches against the Wallabies at the venue.
Springbok Matchday Squad to Face Australia
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Siya Kolisi (capt), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse.
