From Sky Sports · · 1m 50s
Springboks overhaul squad for Perth Test after All Blacks series win
South Africa makes 13 changes to face Australia, retaining only two players from their dominant series victory.
In brief
South Africa makes 13 changes to face Australia, retaining only two players from their dominant series victory. Coach Rassie Erasmus is rotating his squad heavily because Australia presents a different tactical challenge than New Zealand, despite the Springboks' recent success. Originally reported by Sky Sports.
Springboks make massive squad rotation
South Africa has made 13 changes to their starting lineup for Sunday's Test against Australia in Perth, keeping only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker from the team that beat New Zealand 43-28.
Etzebeth reaches historic milestone
Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok of all time to 147 Test matches when he takes the field in Perth.
New front row and halves pairing
Props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen join hooker Johan Grobbelaar in a new-look front row, while fly-half Handre Pollard returns from a calf injury to pair with scrum-half Herschel Jantjies.
Esterhuizen named new captain
Centre Andre Esterhuizen has been named captain, becoming South Africa's 68th captain for the Perth Test.
Mostert returns after long absence
Lock Franco Mostert will play his first Test since facing Wales last November, returning to the lineup after nearly a year away.
Erasmus explains tactical shift
Coach Rassie Erasmus says Australia poses a completely different threat than New Zealand, so these new combinations are best suited for the challenge ahead.
“Australia poses a completely different threat to New Zealand in the way they play, so we believe these combinations would be best suited for the challenge that we will face against them.”
Veterans get rest after heavy workload
Erasmus allowed Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende to return home for family time after their heavy workload over recent months.
“They had a heavy workload in the last few months, and they deserve a break.”
Australia in strong form heading in
Australia has won four of their last five matches and will present a significant challenge despite South Africa's recent dominance over New Zealand.
In short
Coach Rassie Erasmus is rotating his squad heavily because Australia presents a different tactical challenge than New Zealand, despite the Springboks' recent success.
