Why Perth Test has serious stakes

The Springboks vs Wallabies clash in Perth has more on the line than just the result.

Australia welcome South Africa to their backyard on 27 September with the Mandela Challenge Plate on the line.

Here’s why this encounter could have a ripple effect on the Rugby World Cup next year.

Brutal series wraps up in Australia

The Springboks will conclude a month-and-a-half of intense action on Sunday.

Their clash with Australia comes a week after Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry concluded with a 3-1 win over New Zealand.

Rassie Erasmus has recognised this, rotating his squad that defeated the All Blacks in Baltimore two weeks ago.

His team then has a month or so to rest up before Nations Championship fixtures, which resume in November.

The Springboks, who are leading the Southern Hemisphere standings, face Italy on 7 November in Turin.

However, their first task is not to underestimate Australia, who shocked them 38-22 during the 2025 Rugby Championship.

Why Springboks vs Wallabies Test really matters

Here’s the kicker: the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia next year.

South Africa have been drawn in Pool B, with the Wallabies and the All Blacks in Pool B.

This means that if the Springboks and New Zealand top their respective pools, they could meet in the quarter-finals.

However, if Australia end up first in Pool A, they would face South Africa instead.

As a result, Perth will be Rassie’s chance to get a good look at the team they may have to face en route to a third world title.

South Africa will face Romania at the Perth Stadium in their last pool-stage fixture.

If the Springboks end up top of their pool, they would also play their Round of 16 game at this venue.

This weekend’s Test is thus a chance for Rassie’s squad to gauge the conditions they’ll face in a year’s time.

Rassie Erasmus rotates squad for Perth Test

The Springbok coach made a massive 13 changes to the team that played in Baltimore.

Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retained their positions, according to South Africa Rugby’s announcement.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen form the front row, alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

Etzebeth will pair with Franco Mostert, while Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw, and Marco van Staden make up the loose trio.

Rassie has also turned to a new halfback pairing of Herschel Jantjies and Handre Pollard, who returns from injury.

The centre pairing will see newly-named captain Andre Esterhuizen partnered with Canan Moodie.

Meanwhile, Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, and Aphelele Fassi will form the back row.

“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,” Rassie commented.

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