South Africa travel to Perth to face Australia in a one-off Test at Optus Stadium on Sunday. The Springboks arrive on the back of a 3–1 series victory over New Zealand, while the Wallabies will be looking to build on an encouraging start under Les Kiss.
Australia v South Africa, Optus Stadium, Perth, kick-off 11h45, Sunday 27 September
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
Weather forecast – Perth
Australia
Australia’s most recent Test ended in a 28–28 draw against Argentina in Mendoza. The Wallabies were unable to find a winning score despite Argentina being reduced to 13 players during the closing stages.
That result maintained their unbeaten start under new coach Les Kiss, although the injury suffered by flyhalf Carter Gordon was a significant setback. Gordon fractured his leg and will miss this Test, leaving Australia with a decision to make at No. 10.
Australia have enjoyed their share of success against the Springboks in recent seasons. They won both meetings in 2021 and also caused a major upset at Ellis Park in 2025, winning 38–22.
South Africa responded by winning the return match in Cape Town 30–22, while their previous two visits to Australia produced convincing victories: 24–8 in Sydney in 2022 and 33–7 in Brisbane in 2024.
South Africa
South Africa arrive in Perth after completing a 3–1 series victory over New Zealand. They lost the opening Test at Ellis Park but bounced back with three consecutive victories, finishing the series with a 43–28 win in Baltimore.
Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting team for Sunday’s Test, with only Ethan Hooker and Eben Etzebeth retaining their places in the starting line-up.
Andre Esterhuizen will captain the side from inside centre, while Handre Pollard returns at flyhalf and will partner Herschel Jantjies. Aphelele Fassi starts at fullback, with Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker on the wings.
Although the starting team is largely changed, South Africa have selected an experienced bench which includes Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Recent head-to-head results
23 August 2025: South Africa 30–22 Australia – Cape Town
16 August 2025: South Africa 22–38 Australia – Johannesburg
17 August 2024: Australia 12–30 South Africa – Perth
10 August 2024: Australia 7–33 South Africa – Brisbane
8 July 2023: South Africa 43–12 Australia – Pretoria
3 September 2022: Australia 8–24 South Africa – Sydney
27 August 2022: Australia 25–17 South Africa – Adelaide
18 September 2021: Australia 30–17 South Africa – Brisbane
11 September 2021: Australia 28–26 South Africa – Gold Coast
20 July 2019: South Africa 35–17 Australia – Johannesburg
Team news
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.
Australia: To be announced.
The betting
Prices at Betxchange Sep 23rd at 22h14
Australia +7.5 points at 88/100
South Africa -7.5 points at 93/100
Odds quoted were available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
BETTING ANGLE – betting updates and tips to be posted here, newest on top
Bet: Bomb Squad to see Boks home
Posted 23 September 08h59
1 unit (1–5): Australia/South Africa half-time/full-time at 5/1 with World Sports Betting
Money continues to come for Australia, with +6.5 now available at World Sports Betting.
The Springboks have made a number of changes, and I can understand why the handicap has moved. They have, however, selected a stacked bench.
I’m going to take an early interest in the half-time/full-time market, backing Australia to lead at the break before the South African bench does the business and sees the Boks home.
Money comes for the home team
Posted 23 September 07h25
Australia +11.5 was available early in the week, but the handicap quickly moved into +9.5. Following the announcement of the South African team, the line has shortened further, with Australia now receiving a 7.5-point start.
I will be back with an early bet.
