Springboks shake up starting XV for second Test against fiery Wallabies

THE SPRINGBOKS are determined to correct the wrongs after their shocking 38-22 defeat to Australia in Johannesburg, a result that saw them plummet from first to third in the World Rugby Rankings, with New Zealand and Ireland moving ahead. 

The reigning world champions, who head into this Saturday’s Test at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town still hurting from the Ellis Park loss, have made 10 changes to their starting XV as they seek to rectify a performance that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus described as “really awful” and “dog s***”.

The comprehensive defeat at the weekend, South Africa’s first home loss to the Wallabies in 12 years and their first at Ellis Park since 1963, exposed significant frailties.

Springboks could not handle the heat

The Springboks, who had not played a match in almost a month, did not look fully up for the long battle when Australia turned up the volume. The statistics painted a stark picture: 26 missed tackles for an 80 percent success rate, an extraordinarily low number for a team that has built an entire rugby culture on teak-tough defence. 

Furthermore, 17 turnovers were deemed unacceptable for any team, never mind the double world champions. Australia simply seemed to be up for it more and physically more able to deliver than the Boks as the game wore on, with Springbok decision-making going completely awry once the Wallabies upped their intensity. 

Erasmus admitted his team “didn't play according to our standards in the second half” and that they let themselves and the country down.

Rassie rings the changes

In a bid to mount a significant backlash and get their Rugby Championship campaign back on track, Erasmus has named a new-look side. Jesse Kriel will lead the team for the second time, stepping in for the injured Siya Kolisi, who is sidelined for four weeks with a knee injury. 

Other key players ruled out due to injury include Pieter-Steph du Toit (concussion) and wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe.

Despite these setbacks, the Springbok squad welcomes back crucial experience. Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende have recovered from their niggles and return to the starting line-up, with Kolbe on the wing and De Allende reuniting with Kriel in the midfield for their 38th Test together.

Erasmus attributed the changes to injuries and strategic adjustments for the forthcoming challenge.

“We lost four players to injury last weekend, which obviously had an impact on a few of our selections, but we also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game,” said Erasmus.

“Damian and Cheslin have also recovered from their injuries, and with their experience and knowledge of the Wallabies, it was a logical choice to recall them.”

Erasmus added: “We are determined to get things right this week. Boan got a taste of what it’s like to face Australia last week, and Ruan did well against them last year, while it will be good for a few other guys to experience playing against one of the top teams in the world, especially as we continue to build our squad depth.

“We are pleased with this squad, and we are all aligned on what we have to do to lift our standards this week.”

Ton-up Willie le Roux returns at fullback

Bok centurion Willie le Roux also returns at fullback. The front row sees Thomas du Toit join Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx, while a new lock pairing of RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje has been selected. 

Marco van Staden will form a new loose trio with Franco Mostert and Jean-Luc du Preez, and Handre Pollard will partner Grant Williams at halfback.

Erasmus attributed the extensive changes to both injuries and strategic adjustments, stating, “We also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game.” 

The coach added that he is pleased with this squad and that the players are all aligned on what they have to do to lift their usually high standards this week. 

While the Boks boast an impressive record against the Wallabies in Cape Town, winning seven of eight Tests since 1992, Erasmus insists history counts for little after last week’s upset and given the Wallabies’ dogged determination.

“They also showed that they can fight until the end, so it will be vital for us to give everything until the final whistle this weekend. This match is essential for us to get our campaign on track, and we all realise the importance of ensuring that we do not make the same mistakes as last week,” the coach added.

Springboks XV (15–1): Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams, Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Replacements (16–23): Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.