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South Africa is world number one after winning the past two World Cups.Credit: Associated Press
Perhaps more tellingly, the starting lineup also included seven players from 2019 Rugby World Cup Final.
Erasmus is in no rush to start a major rebuild for the next World Cup. With some new faces selected, one of them being rising star No.10 Sasha Vanberg-Mungomezulu, this team is less experienced than the most capped Springbok side against Ireland in July. But there are still more than 500 players in the starting line-up.
In stark contrast, the Kangaroos will unveil another squad change on Thursday, with a debutant replacing the July player of the month, up to four additional front-row players with fewer than 10 appearances, and a new set of halves partnerships.
Len Ikitau scores a try during Brisbane’s 2021 win over the Springboks.Credit: Getty
Schmidt will recall Noah Lolesio to the No. 10 position, with Jake Gordon returning to center back. Tom Lynagh will also be named to the 5-3 bench.
With Fraser McReight in fine form in July but out due to injury, Western Force flanker Carlo Tizzano will make his debut and while the radical will enjoy the physical challenge, his first Test experience will be against the formidable Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
The Antelopes have won four World Cups since 1995 but have won just five of the 33 Test matches played in Australia.
Lukehane Sarakaya-Loto will join Nick Frost to bolster the squad, but will also be well behind in terms of experience with Matt Fessler and Isaac Kelea at forward. Taniela Tupou is also questionable due to a family illness.
So when discussing the chances of a resurgent Kangaroos team on Saturday, even with the help of a 16th player, cold logic has to be part of the conversation.
Interestingly, however, logic often breaks down for a day when it comes to South Africa’s record in Australia.
Australia has proven to be the second most difficult country for the Springboks to win Test matches against, after New Zealand (22%), with a win rate of just 30%.
They win at least half of their Test matches elsewhere in the world, but the Antelopes struggle to get chocolate after getting off their Qantas flight.
The Antelopes have won four World Cups since 1995 but have won just five of the 33 Test matches played in Australia.
The Wallabies beat the Antelopes twice in 2021 during the COVID bubble, and again in Adelaide in 2022. This time, the visitors won in Sydney, their first victory in 11 years.
“I think the last Test match in Adelaide was a big shock for us,” Springboks centre Damian de Allende said on Tuesday. “But we are much better prepared than we will be in 2022.”
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Erasmus flew to Australia last week to address the team’s poor performance and remove the “excuses” behind past poor performances and defeats.
It remains to be seen whether a 50,000-seat fortress, some sunshine and an unusual 2:30pm kick-off can help the Wallabies disrupt the Springboks’ tempo.
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