The Springboks’ preparations for their second Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies in Cape Town have been hit by unexpected news.
Jean-Luc du Preez, who was set to make his first start for South Africa in seven years, has been forced to withdraw due to illness.
That late change has opened the door for Kwagga Smith, who now moves straight into the starting lineup at eighth-man.
Rassie Erasmus Makes Adjustments
Head coach Rassie Erasmus wasted no time reshuffling the squad after Du Preez was ruled out.
Smith’s energy and versatility bring a slightly different dimension to the back row, while Andre Esterhuizen has been added to the bench to provide loose forward cover.
It’s a tough break for Du Preez, who had waited years for this starting opportunity, but Erasmus’ decision ensures balance in the team is maintained.
Predicted Outcome
The Springboks remain firm favorites heading into the clash at Cape Town Stadium.
Pundits are backing them to come out on top, with predictions suggesting a South African victory by around nine points.
South Africa’s Revised Line-Up
Starting XV:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements:
16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Australia’s Starting XV
Starting XV:
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Akuso Suaalii, 12 Len Iketau, 11 Corey Toole, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements:
16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
Match Details
-
Date: Saturday, 23 August
-
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
-
Kick-off: 17:10 (local time)
-
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
-
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
-
TMO: Richard Kelly (Australia)
Talking Point
With Willie le Roux also unavailable, fans have been debating whether these changes leave the Springboks stronger or weaker ahead of their showdown with the Wallabies.
While Kwagga Smith’s dynamism brings something fresh, Du Preez’s absence is still a major blow.
