For André Esterhuizen, the Test carries even greater significance and the experienced centre will captain the Springboks for the first time, becoming the 68th player in history to lead South Africa.

With the Boks having just completed a bruising four-Test series against the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Stick believes Sunday's clash provides an opportunity to build squad depth while maintaining the high standards expected of the Springboks.

The Springboks to face the Wallabies in Perth - SA Rugby

“We are excited about the guys getting an opportunity after a tough four weeks against the All Blacks,” said Stick.

He highlighted players such as Canan Moodie and Handre Pollard, who were close to featuring in the series before injuries disrupted their plans.

Stick is also excited to see Herschel Jantjies get an opportunity, despite the scrumhalf having played only around 25 minutes this season.

“He’s been great in training sessions, so I’m very excited for him to get a chance,” Stick said.

While the All Blacks series was approached almost like a knockout tournament, Stick says the Perth Test is about giving other players the chance to prove themselves.

“We always want to build squad depth,” he said. “This game against Australia gives us an opportunity to give other guys a chance to see what they’ve got. They have worked very hard to be where they are and they deserve the opportunity.”

André Esterhuizen - X

The Wallabies, however, are unlikely to make life easy. Australia have won four of their last five matches, drawing once against Argentina, and Stick believes facing the hosts provides excellent preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“You can’t ask for better preparation going to the World Cup than playing against the host nation,” he said.

Stick also remembers the painful lessons from last year's meeting at Ellis Park, when Australia recovered from a 24-point deficit inside the opening 20 minutes to win 38-22.

“We learnt a lot from what happened at Ellis Park,” he said. “We were leading by 24 points and then drifted away from our plan.”

Mzwandile Stick - SA Rugby

Stick expects a powerful Australian side, particularly in midfield, and warned that the Wallabies have enough firepower to punish any lapse in concentration.

“They’re in a good space,” he said. “They’ve got powerful runners in that centre partnership, and they’ve selected a wing with a strong kicking game.”

For Esterhuizen, meanwhile, the chance to captain the Springboks is a career milestone.

“Being a leader at your franchise prepares you, but it’s so much easier here with so many guys around you that are all leaders,” he said.

“It’s a privilege, and although I will be in the captaincy role, it’s still all about the team.”

Sunday’s Test at the Optus Stadium in Peth will kick-off at 11:45.

Wallabies - 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements - 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Harry Potter

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