Springboks seek redemption in Cape Town as Wallabies threaten to derail campaign

The Springboks are itching to get onto the field to set the record straight in the second Rugby Championship Test against Australia on Saturday in Cape Town.

After a disappointing 38–22 loss in Johannesburg, and with their backs against the wall, the South Africans are well aware of their shortcomings. They’ll be looking to right those wrongs against a determined Wallaby side at DHL Stadium (5.10pm kick-off).

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to the side. While some may see the wholesale changes as a knee-jerk reaction to the loss, injuries have mainly forced his hand. He has also brought back a couple of experienced players to help steady the ship.

The Boks will be without inspirational captain Siya Kolisi and fellow loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit. Their absence will have a significant impact on the breakdown play of the world champions, as well as on their ball-carrying strength in the wider channels. However, for their replacements, Jean-Luc du Preez and Franco Mostert, it’s an opportunity to stake a claim.

Flyhalf Handré Pollard, inside centre Damian de Allende, and Cheslin Kolbe should provide some much-needed direction in the backline, despite the injury withdrawal of Willie le Roux on Friday.

Jesse Kriel, standing in for Kolisi as captain, said the team is aware of what went wrong last weekend and has worked to rectify it.

“We have another chance this weekend, and everyone is looking forward to the game,” Kriel said.

“The great thing about this game is you get another shot. People can say there’s a lot of pressure on us, but there’s pressure every week. We are used to that pressure and being in these kinds of situations.

“We are excited to get out there and play some rugby for South Africa.”

While it will be a massive overall battle, several mini-battles on the field could shape the outcome of the Test. The Boks will aim to regain dominance in the scrums and lineouts, while the duel at the breakdown will also be critical.

At the back, the partnership of Kriel and De Allende against Aussie midfielders Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i promises to be fierce. Kriel said they’re wary of the duo, but he’s ready to continue his long-standing combination with De Allende. The pair will extend their Bok midfield partnership record to 38 games this weekend.

“They are two unbelievable athletes and showed, through their work rate and performances last week, what they can do. It’s exciting to have Doogz (De Allende) back in the mix. Andre (Esterhuizen) was unbelievable last week.

“It’s a great challenge for us, and we are looking forward to it. At this level, you want to play against the best. They are dangerous players who give their side great momentum and go-forward possession.

“They are definitely one of the best Australian sides we’ve come up against. Then again, you can look back over the years — that 2015 side of theirs was star-studded. Now, they also have some excellent backline players.”

On the loss of Le Roux, Kriel admitted they’ll be without a massive amount of experience, but he believes his replacement, Aphelele Fassi, will be up to the task on Saturday.

The Springboks need this victory. They’ll be on the road in the coming week, and a second home loss could derail their campaign. Arriving in New Zealand for that duel at Eden Park without a win in the Rugby Championship would make the already daunting task of winning a Test there — something they haven’t done since 1937 — even more challenging.