Rassie Erasmus makes major changes for Springboks' rematch with Australia

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to the starting line up ahead of Saturday’s rematch against Australia in Cape Town.

The rebuilding comes after last weekend’s shock 38–22 loss in Johannesburg, where the Springboks lost a 22-point lead to their rivals.

Jesse Kriel steps in as captain for the second time, with Ox Nche appointed vice-captain for the first time.

The backline sees the return of seasoned players: Handré Pollard at fly-half, Damian de Allende lining up alongside Kriel in midfield, and wings Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie reintegrating alongside veteran fullback Willie le Roux, who recently earned his 100th cap.

Only five players retained their starting spots: Kriel, Williams, Van Staden, Marx, and Nche. Key changes in the pack include Thomas du Toit coming into the front row, and a new lock pairing of RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje.

The loose trio features Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert, and Jean-Luc du Preez, offering fresh dynamics to the forward-line.

Erasmus has returned to a traditional 6–2 split, favoring forwards on the bench as he avoids last week’s expansive approach.

The replacements include Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu—highlighting the emphasis on experience and physicality.

Four players—Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe—are sidelined due to injury, prompting this squad overhaul. Erasmus acknowledged the need to correct course following their collapse in Johannesburg and to restore intensity. The recalled veterans and fresh combinations are central to that effort.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman,3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Reserves: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu