Springboks Face Wallabies in Rugby Championship Opener

Live updates are underway as South Africa’s Springboks host the Australian Wallabies in the opening match of the Rugby Championship on July 15, 2023, at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. This highly anticipated clash marks the beginning of the Springboks’ title defence, with captain Siya Kolisi set to play at No 8 for the first time in his test career.

Kolisi, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, will make his 94th test appearance in a significant position shift. Traditionally a flanker, he has filled in at No 8 for his franchise, the Sharks, but this will be his debut in the role for the national team. The decision comes as regular No 8 Jasper Wiese serves a four-match suspension following an incident during a warm-up against Italy. Additionally, other contenders such as Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom are sidelined due to injuries sustained prior to the season.

With Kolisi’s move to No 8, flanker Marco van Staden joins the starting lineup, while the back row is completed by reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit. In the pivotal first five-eighth position, Manie Libbok has been chosen ahead of Handre Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Libbok boasts a strong record, with the Springboks having lost only one of the 13 tests he started, a pool match against Ireland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Despite his strengths in breaking through defences, questions remain about Libbok’s goal-kicking abilities, a skill that Pollard has consistently excelled in. The halfback position is also competitive, with Grant Williams starting and veteran Cobus Reinach available on the bench.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted to rest star wing Cheslin Kolbe and veteran centre Damian de Allende, both of whom are recovering from minor injuries. Erasmus explained, “Cheslin has recovered from a niggle and trained with us last week, but we decided to exercise caution and give him extra time at training before selecting him. Damian picked up a back niggle and will train this week, but Andre has been strong for us in the last few seasons, so it was an easy decision to name him alongside Jesse [Kriel].”

In Kolbe’s absence, Edwill van der Merwe, who has scored five tries in three tests, will replace him on the right wing. Andre Esterhuizen will step in for De Allende at second five-eighth.

On the opposing side, Australia arrives in Johannesburg after a 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions. The Wallabies are keen to end their four-match losing streak against South Africa. They are set to announce their lineup on Thursday.

The Springboks’ starting team for the match against Australia is as follows:
1. Aphelele Fassi
2. Edwill van der Merwe
3. Jesse Kriel
4. Andre Esterhuizen
5. Kurt-Lee Arendse
6. Manie Libbok
7. Grant Williams
8. Siya Kolisi (captain)
9. Pieter-Steph du Toit
10. Marco van Staden
11. Lood de Jager
12. Eben Etzebeth
13. Wilco Louw
14. Malcolm Marx
15. Ox Nche

The reserves include:
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19. Franco Mostert
20. Kwagga Smith
21. Cobus Reinach
22. Canan Moodie
23. Damian Willemse

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, fans eagerly anticipate the action that will unfold in what promises to be an exhilarating start to the Rugby Championship.