Springboks vs Wallabies: Five Key Battles to Watch at Ellis Park
Springboks vs Wallabies – The Springboks will kick off their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign with a Test against the Australian Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday at 5:10 pm. The two sides will meet again next week in Cape Town, before South Africa embarks on away fixtures against New Zealand and home-and-away clashes with Argentina.
Here are five key storylines to follow as the Boks aim to make a statement at Ellis Park.
Rusty or Ready?
South Africa’s warm-up matches against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia offered little in the way of top-tier opposition, but they allowed coach Rassie Erasmus to experiment with new players and combinations. The Boks won all three fixtures comfortably, giving the squad some confidence heading into the championship.
The bigger question is whether they will hit the ground running against the Wallabies, who have just completed a gruelling three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. Will the Australians show fatigue from their recent battles, or will the tough series have sharpened them? The answer will set the tone for this opening clash.
Wallabies on the Rise?
Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies were narrowly denied a series win against the Lions. A controversial refereeing decision cost them victory in the second Test, while they convincingly claimed the third. Only the first Test saw them slightly outplayed.
The looming question is whether this form signals a genuine resurgence for Australia or merely reflects the Lions’ inconsistencies. Ellis Park will be an early indicator of the Wallabies’ current standard, particularly in a stadium where they have historically struggled to assert themselves.
Libbok at Flyhalf
South Africa’s No 10 shirt remains a hot topic, with Manie Libbok, Handré Pollard, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all vying for the role. This week, Libbok has been given the nod. Known for his attacking flair, he is expected to inject creativity into the Boks’ backline.
However, all eyes will also be on his goal-kicking. Consistent boot work is essential in high-pressure Tests, and Erasmus will be hoping that Libbok can deliver when it matters most. Conditions at Ellis Park should favour expansive, attacking rugby, offering Libbok the perfect stage to showcase his skills.
Kolisi in a New Role
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will line up at No. 8 for the first time in a Test match due to Jasper Wiese’s suspension. While Kolisi has spent most of his international career in the back row, he has experience in this position with the Sharks over the past year.
The skipper will continue to be a powerful carrier and key link man, but this positional switch will be closely monitored. Opponents may try to target him differently, making his adaptability a crucial factor in the Boks’ forward strategy.
The Springboks “Bomb Squad”
Much attention now focuses on South Africa’s bench and how substitutions are deployed. Questions abound: will Erasmus rotate players early in the second half, or stagger them? Will Franco Mostert line up at lock or flank? Where will Kwagga Smith and Damian Willemse slot in?
Innovations, like Andre Esterhuizen in a hybrid centre-flank role, may also feature. With Erasmus known for tactical surprises, supporters can expect some experimentation off the bench, which could be decisive in a tight contest.
Ellis Park as the Launchpad
Saturday’s clash provides the first real test of the Springboks’ Championship credentials. With new combinations, positional tweaks, and a sharp Australian side to challenge them, all eyes will be on how South Africa handles the intensity of top-level competition. Expect fireworks, strategic battles, and plenty of talking points as the 2025 Rugby Championship gets underway.
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