The Springboks are going big — and bold — for their Castle Lager Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday. Rassie Erasmus has rolled out a star-studded matchday squad boasting 18 Rugby World Cup winners and only one fresh Test debutant from the recent Incoming Series.
It’s a side brimming with experience — just three players have five Test caps or fewer — and it carries the weight of four straight victories over the Wallabies. The mission is clear: keep the streak alive and start the Championship with intent.
But this one’s also about milestones. Eben Etzebeth, the Bok enforcer, will run out for his 134th Test, moving him up the global all-time list to joint-10th alongside Welsh great Gethin Jenkins.
Backline reshuffle sparks intrigue
Aphelele Fassi gets the nod at fullback, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe patrolling the wings. Van der Merwe, who’s been electric this season, is the only starter yet to face Australia, while Jesse Kriel links up with Andre Esterhuizen in midfield after Damian de Allende picked up a back niggle. Manie Libbok and Grant Williams will marshal the attack from halfback.
“We’ve been experimenting with player combinations,” Erasmus explained. “We believe this team will allow us to play the type of rugby we want against Australia.”
Cheslin Kolbe is fit again but will be eased back, while Edwill’s red-hot form earned him a deserved shot.
Kolisi shifts to the back of the scrum
Perhaps the biggest talking point is Siya Kolisi starting at No 8 for the first time in a Test. He’ll join Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden in a dynamic loose trio. Behind them, Etzebeth partners Lood de Jager in the engine room, with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw forming a bruising front row.
On the bench, Erasmus has gone with a 5-3 split, keeping plenty of forward firepower in reserve with Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith among the impact men. Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie, and Damian Willemse will provide backline cover.
Respect for the Wallabies — but no fear
Australia arrives with a bit of swagger after bouncing back from a narrow 29-26 loss to the British & Irish Lions with a convincing 22-12 win in their second tour match. Erasmus, though, is under no illusions.
“They’ll come out guns blazing,” he said. “They’re a physical and well-coached team. We’ll certainly not underestimate their motivation to win their first match at Ellis Park.”
For the Boks, the two-week conditioning camp in Stellenbosch was all about fine-tuning. “We’ve been working hard to build on our game and improve,” Erasmus added. “Hopefully we can transfer that hard work into our performance.”
Ellis Park factor
Ellis Park has never been a happy hunting ground for the Wallabies. In fact, they’ve never won there. The altitude, the atmosphere, and the history all stack up in the Boks’ favour — but the men in green and gold know records count for nothing once the whistle blows.
With the Championship crown to defend, this opener is more than just a match. It’s a statement opportunity. And with Kolisi breaking new ground, Etzebeth ticking off another landmark, and a blend of familiar power with fresh spark, the Boks look ready to roar.
