Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a powerful starting fifteen for Saturday’s highly anticipated opener against Australia. The match, which will unfold at the iconic Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, is already drawing excitement from fans and pundits alike.
Leading the charge will be captain Siya Kolisi, who will take on the pivotal role in the number eight jersey. Joining him in the key playmaker position is Manie Libbok, who will wear the number ten jersey, while Aphelele Fassi has been entrusted with the role of fullback. This lineup marks a blend of experience and youthful dynamism, perfectly poised to tackle the formidable Wallabies.
One of the standout features of Saturday’s match will be the presence of lock Eben Etzebeth, who is set to enhance his legacy as he extends his record as the most capped Springbok of all time, reaching an impressive 134 test matches. With a match-day squad boasting 18 World Cup winners and only three players with fewer than five test caps, the Springboks are armed with both talent and tenacity.
In a notable departure from tradition, Erasmus opted to announce his match-day squad a day earlier than usual, a decision aimed at clearing any speculation ahead of the match. “We’ve been preparing three weeks for Australia. It does not normally happen… Getting this out of the way allows us to focus on training well and preparing,” he explained.
The Springbok coach expressed confidence in his squad, emphasising its robustness while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the Wallabies. “I think it’s really solid but we hope things go according to plan. Hopefully, next week we will give other guys a chance. There will be guys that will swing in both matches. I think it’s a relatively strong team that we picked,” Erasmus stated, highlighting the depth and flexibility within the squad.
With South Africa’s rich rugby heritage at stake, fans can expect a fiery encounter as the Springboks look to assert their dominance on home soil against a rival they have a deep-rooted history with.
