Erasmus names a strong Springbok side for Rugby Championship opener

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Aug 2025

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Ralph Staniforth 11 Aug 2025

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Rassie Erasmus names a strong team for South Africa vs. Australia.
Siya Kolisi moves to number eight in Jasper Wiese's absence.
A 5/3 bench split, ensuring depth across positions.

South Africa vs australia rugby 2024 rugby championship

South Africa announce team to face Wallabies (Getty Images)

Rassie Erasmus has named the South Africa side to face Australia on Saturday, 16 August in the 2025 Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park.

The two-time World Cup winning coach, Rassie Erasmus and gone with a strong side and a 5/3 bench split to face Australia this Saturday. As ususal, there are also a few surprises.

With Jasper Wiese suspended, captain, Siya Kolisi will wear the number eight jersey with Marco van Staden and Pieter-Steph du Toin starting on the side of the scrum.

Predictably, Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth start at lock with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw starting in the front row.

Among the backs, in-form Grant Williams takes the number nine jersey with Manie Libbok starting in the key flyhalf position. Damian de Allende is not in the matchday squad with Andre Esterhuizen starting at 12. Jesse Kriel holds onto the outside centre berth while Edwill van der Merwe and Cheslin Kolbe start on the wings.

At fullback, Aphelele Fassi's very strong form is rewarded with a start as well. The bench is split 5-3 with Rassie opting for a bit more safety. The backs that make the bench includes Damien Willemse, Canan Moodie and Cobus Reinach.

It will be an exciting day out for Asenathi Ntabakanye, who is also on the nehc alongside Bongi Mbonambi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

South Africa team vs Wallabies

Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Canan Moodie, 23 Damian Willemse

Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.