Springboks announce new captain as team to face Australia revealed

Andre Esterhuizen will become the new captain of the South African rugby team for their upcoming Test match against Australia in Perth. The versatility of Esterhuizen allows him to play as a center or in the back row, and he will lead the team from the centers. In the absence of Rassie Erasmus, who made 13 changes to the starting lineup that previously defeated New Zealand, Handre Pollard will return to his traditional No. 10 position after missing the All Blacks series due to injury.

Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert will partner in the second row. Six forwards will be named on the bench, including Jasper Wiese, who is expected to earn his 50th cap. Players Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have been released from the team due to rest ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures in November.

Erasmus commented on the selection, stating that each player has trained diligently in the past months, some even participating in the first leg of the Nations Championship or the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash. He believes the team combinations are well-suited to face Australia's unique playing style. Esterhuizen, who has captained the Sharks and contributed significantly on and off the field, deserves this opportunity.

Erasmus also highlighted that this selection would strengthen the leadership core of the team, with several players having led the side over the past few seasons.

The Springboks will have a month-long break before resuming their Nations Championship campaign against Italy on November 7. Following that, they face France and Ireland. The South African team for the Perth Test match, scheduled for Sunday, September 27 at 10 am BST, includes Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, and Zachary Porthen at the front row, Etzebeth and Mostert in the second row, De Villiers at the blindside flanker position, Pollard at fly-half, Esterhuizen as captain, Canan Moodie, Edwill van der Merwe, and Paul de Villiers at the openside flanker position, and the replacements listed.