Springboks Make 10 Changes for Rugby Championship Australia Clash

Following a surprising 38-22 defeat to Australia at Ellis Park, South Africa's Springboks have made significant changes to their squad ahead of the second Rugby Championship test in Cape Town. Coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 alterations to the starting XV, influenced by injuries to key players including captain Siya Kolisi, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and Pieter-Steph du Toit, among others. Veterans such as Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende have returned to bolster the team, while Willie le Roux, recently achieving his 100th cap, takes the fullback position. The team is shifting towards a tighter, forward-based game, moving away from their previously expansive playing style, to address the disruptions that led to their loss, including five lost lineouts and Australia's second-half dominance. Aphelele Fassi steps into the starting lineup due to Le Roux's injury niggle, marking back-to-back Tests for the Sharks flyer. The revamped squad, led by new captain Jesse Kriel in Kolisi's absence, aims to reclaim their stature and reinvigorate their title hopes ahead of challenging fixtures, including an upcoming tour in New Zealand.