A new-look side has been named for the Test as the Boks look to set the record straight after their humbling 38-22 defeat to Australia in Johannesburg last week, despite leading 22-0 after just 17 minutes.

The Boks were also forced into a late change, with Aphelele Fassi replacing the injured Willie le Roux at fullback. Fassi, however, is no stranger to the setup and is expected to slot in seamlessly.

Jesse Kriel. Photo: Morgan Piek

As back-to-back World Champions, the Springboks are no strangers to bouncing back. They will draw inspiration from previous comebacks, such as after their pool-stage defeat to Ireland at the 2023 World Cup in France, and their early setback against the All Blacks at the 2019 World Cup.

Springbok captain Jesse Kriel said the team is prepared for the challenge and clear on what needs to be done.

“We know what went wrong last weekend, and we’ve worked hard to fix those areas and align on what we want to achieve going into this game,” said Kriel.

“We’ve been here before, and it’s important to remember that this is only one defeat so far. The great thing about rugby is that we get another chance to put things right this weekend, and everyone is eager to get back on the field.

“Although there is pressure, we’re used to it. There’s pressure every week at this level.”

Meanwhile, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick admitted losing centurion Willie le Roux is a setback, but he expressed full confidence in Fassi’s abilities.

Aphelele Fassi. Morgan Piek

“I wouldn’t say losing Willie has disrupted our plans, because Aphelele has been in the system for a while and even played last weekend. 

“Although we’ve lost a very experienced player, we trust Aphelele to do the job for us.”

Saturday’s Test at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point kicks off at 17:10.

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 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 Kwagga Smith, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Wallabies – 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 (captain), 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

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg