Sport: Rugby Country: Australia Category: Scores & Results

South Africa makes 13 changes for rugby test against Australia in Perth

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 11:13 PM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

South Africa makes 13 changes for rugby test against Australia in Perth

Summary

South Africa has introduced 13 changes to its starting lineup for the one-off rugby test against Australia on September 24 in Perth. Only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker retain their starting spots from the team that defeated New Zealand 43-28, sealing a 3-1 series win. Andre Esterhuizen has been named captain, marking his leadership debut, while Handre Pollard returns from injury to pair with scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies. Coach Rassie Erasmus cited the unique challenge posed by Australia, who have won four of their last five matches. Veteran players Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende were allowed to return home for family time following their recent workload.

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Status Watch

•Eben Etzebeth will extend his Springbok record to 147 tests.
•South Africa's starting lineup features three players with fewer than 10 test caps.
•Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende were released for family commitments.
•The match takes place at Optus Stadium in Perth on September 24.

Latest Updates

11:13 PMYahoo Sports — South Africa makes 13 changes to its starting side for rugby test against Australia

What they're saying

"
South Africa has made wholesale changes — a total of 13 — to its starting lineup for Sunday’s one-off rugby test against the Wallabies in Perth, Western Australia. Only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker retained their starting roles from the team that beat the All Blacks 43-28 at Baltimore to seal a 3-1 series win in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok of all time to 147 test matches.
— Yahoo Sports

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