The versatile Sharks star has been handed the captaincy by Rassie Erasmus as the Springboks head into the Test against the Wallabies with significantly changed line-up.

For Esterhuizen, it represents another important chapter in a Test career that has seen him establish himself as one of the most versatile players in the Bok squad. The 31-year-old has played at centre and also featured as a loose forward for South Africa, while his leadership qualities have now earned him the opportunity to lead the team.

André Esterhuizen - Morgan Piek

Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting XV that breat New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore just over a week ago to secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry title.

Only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retain their starting places from that clash.

Erasmus believes Esterhuizen has earned the opportunity after also leading the Sharks.

“He captained the Sharks, and he has brought so much to our squad off and on the field, both at centre and in the loose trio, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” said Erasmus.

Eben Etzebeth is Springbok captain number 59 - Morgan Piek

“It will also help build our leadership core even more within the team, with several players having captained the side over the last few seasons, and we trust that he is the right man to take over the captaincy in this match.”

While Esterhuizen takes centre stage as captain, another milestone awaits on the replacements bench.

Upington-born Jasper Wiese is set to earn his 50th Springbok cap if he takes the field against Australia.

The former Cheetahs has become a familiar figure in the Springbok pack since making his international debut and will provide loose-forward cover from the bench. His half-century of Test appearances is another significant achievement for the Free State-born player.

Handré Pollard captained the Springboks against Wales in Bloemfontein in 2022 - Morgan Piek

The Springboks have opted for a new-look starting XV, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen named at prop alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

Etzebeth will partner Franco Mostert in the second row, while Paul de Villiers, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden make up the loose trio.

There is also a new halfback combination, with Herschel Jantjies starting at scrumhalf alongside Handré Pollard at flyhalf.

Esterhuizen will line up at inside centre alongside Canan Moodie, with Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe and Aphelele Fassi completing the back three.

Upington-born Jasper Wiese will play in his 50th Test - Morgan Piek

Among the replacements, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché and Wilco Louw provide front-row cover, while Lood de Jager covers the second row.

Wiese is joined in the backline replacements by Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Quan Horn.

Erasmus said the changes were part of a planned approach to managing his squad after a demanding international season.

“We’ve been working closely with our Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards on how best to manage the players to get the most out of them in this important encounter,” Erasmus said.

De Aar's Quan Horn gets to play in his third Test - Morgan Piek

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have been released from the squad to spend time with their families after a heavy workload over the past few months.

Erasmus expects a stern examination from an Australian side that has shown encouraging form.

“They are a proud nation and will certainly want to continue building momentum going into their next two clashes against the All Blacks and the second leg of the Nations Championship in November, so they are going to throw everything at us,” he said.

“Adding to that, they have physical forwards and a very exciting backline, so it will take another big performance from us to get the result.”

Sunday’ Test between the Wallabies and Springboks in Perth kicks off at 11:45.

Wallabies - TBA

Springbok - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handré 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 Nché, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn

Morgan Piek OFM Sport