Andre Esterhuizen, who is set to lead the Springboks as the 68th captain, has been pivotal both on and off the field. At 32, he steps into the leadership role while also tackling responsibilities as the inside centre, aligning with Canan Moodie in midfield. Besides his new captaincy, Esterhuizen is also the designated captain for the Sharks in the upcoming season.
"He captained the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and he has brought so much to our squad off and on the field, both at centre and in the loose trio, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,"
Rassie Erasmus highlighted the strategic shifts within the squad, noting Esterhuizen's significant role. The adjustments aren't limited to the midfield, as the team sees a broad transformation across both forwards and backs, maintaining only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker from the previous starting XV.
In the backline, excitement builds with Handre Pollard returning to his number 10 jersey, pairing up with Herschel Jantjies at scrum-half, who marks his first Test start since November 2021. The trio in the back includes Aphelele Fassi at full-back, alongside wingers Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe.
The forwards also see fresh combinations, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen upfront, and Johan Grobbelaar taking the hooker's role. Etzebeth pairs with a fit-again Franco Mostert in the locks, while the back-row features Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw, and Marco van Staden, who dons the number eight jersey.
Rassie Erasmus elaborated on the team's preparation and strategy. "We've been working closely with our Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards on how best to manage the players to get the most out of them in this important encounter," said Erasmus. This includes a planned recovery and training phase in Terrigal before resuming regular Test week activities.
"This is going to be a big challenge against a team that has been playing good rugby, and who have won four of their last five matches, with their other result being a draw against the Pumas in Argentina,"
As the Springboks brace for a robust matchup, the bench also holds experienced players ready to make an impact, featuring Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Wilco Louw as the back-up front rowers. Meanwhile, Lood de Jager provides additional cover in the locks, with Jasper Wiese celebrating his 50th Test cap from the bench.
Springboks team to face Australia: 1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels 2. Johan Grobbelaar 3. Zachary Porthen 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Franco Mostert 6. Paul de Villiers 7. Elrigh Louw 8. Marco van Staden 9. Herschel Jantjies 10. Handre Pollard 11. Ethan Hooker 12. Andre Esterhuizen (captain) 13. Canan Moodie 14. Edwill van der Merwe 15. Aphelele Fassi Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx 17. Ox Nche 18. Wilco Louw 19. Lood de Jager 20. Jasper Wiese 21. Morne van den Berg 22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 23. Quan Horn
The match scheduled for Sunday, 27 September 2026, at Optus Stadium, Perth, promises to be a high-stakes encounter, reflecting the ongoing evolution and strategy of the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus's leadership.
