Springboks Make 10 Changes for Rugby Championship Australia Test in Cape Town

Following a surprising 38-22 loss to Australia in the Rugby Championship, South African coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting XV for the second test in Cape Town. Injuries to key players such as captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit have forced alterations, with Jesse Kriel stepping in as captain and Ox Nche serving as vice-captain. The team sees the return of experienced players including Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, Damian de Allende at inside centre, and Willie le Roux at fullback, who recently earned his 100th cap. Upfront, Thomas du Toit joins the front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche, while RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje form a new lock pairing, and Jean-Luc du Preez takes over at number eight with Franco Mostert and Marco van Staden as flankers. Erasmus has adjusted the bench to a 6-2 split favoring forwards, signaling a shift toward a tighter, forward-based strategy after their previous attempt at expansive running rugby was stifled by Australia. The changes reflect a tactical response aimed at addressing the shortcomings exposed in the first test while managing the impact of injuries.