Springboks vs Wallabies: 4 Factors That Could Shape the Cape Town Test
The Springboks will be aiming for a strong response when they host the Wallabies in their second Rugby Championship Test of the season in Cape Town on Saturday at 5:10pm. This follows last weekend’s 38-22 defeat at Ellis Park, where the Wallabies staged a stunning comeback.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has shaken up the squad with nine changes from the previous week, signalling a fresh approach. Here are four key aspects to watch as the two teams clash.
1. Springbok Team Adjustments
Only six starters from last week’s Joburg match remain in the team: Aphelele Fassi, Jesse Kriel, Grant Williams, Marco van Staden, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche. The other 10 starters are new, aimed at injecting more experience and firepower.
Key positions to monitor include flyhalf, where Handre Pollard will direct play; No. 8 with Jean-Luc du Preez starting his first Test in seven years; and the lock combination of Ruan Nortje and RG Snyman, making their debut pairing.
Originally, Willie le Roux was set to start at fullback, but an injury has seen Aphelele Fassi step in, maintaining the balance of the side.
2. Adjusting the Game Plan
After Ellis Park, the coaching staff indicated that the Boks may have relied too heavily on expansive, ball-in-hand rugby. While this approach yielded three early tries and unsettled the Wallabies, it ultimately left the Springboks vulnerable in the second half.
This weekend, there’s an expectation that the team might adopt a more conservative, forwards-orientated strategy. Whether this shift will benefit the team remains to be seen.
3. Reinforced Bench Experience
One factor in last week’s loss was the lack of leadership and experience among replacements. This time, the Boks have opted for a six-forwards, two-backs bench split, compared to last weekend’s five-three formation.
Notable bench players include veterans Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, alongside Wilco Louw, Kwagga Smith, and Cobus Reinach, providing seasoned options. Young talents like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are also poised to make an impact.
4. Wallabies’ Momentum
The Wallabies’ comeback from 22-0 down inside 20 minutes at Ellis Park was remarkable. With the Springboks now aware of their opponents’ capabilities, it will be interesting to see how Joe Schmidt’s team adjusts their approach.
Will last week’s performance prove to be a one-off, or does it reflect a new level for the Australian side? The Cape Town Test will reveal whether the Wallabies can sustain their challenge and how the Springboks respond under pressure.
The Cape Town clash promises an intriguing battle, with team selections, tactics, bench strength, and psychological resilience all set to play a major role in deciding the outcome.
Related article: Springboks Dealt Major Blow Ahead of Must-Win Test Against Wallabies
