‘Back to basics’ for Springboks rematch against Australia in Cape Town

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Chante Hohip

20 August 2025 | 9:28

South Africa needs a strong, consistent performance after a ‘try-happy’ loss at Ellis Park, sports journalist Mike Greenaway tells Robert Marawa.

‘Back to basics’ for Springboks rematch against Australia in Cape Town

FILE: South Africa's fly-half Handre Pollard celebrates after South Africa won the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on 28 October 2023. Picture: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP

“The Springboks were really seduced by their own brilliance… that opening 20 minutes were among the best I’ve ever seen the Springboks play… they got try-happy and they lost their way.” 
– Mike Greenaway, sports journalist – IOL

Coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes ahead of the Cape Town test. 

Four of those changes were due to injuries, with captain Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, and Pieter-Steph du Toit out of the mix.

Handre Pollard comes in at number 10 to replace Manie Libbok, who is facing great criticism for his performance at Ellis Park. 

RELATED: Springboks ring changes after Australia defeat in Rugby Championship

“Some very significant changes there… the experience that comes in at 10 (Handre Pollard) is probably the most significant.” 
– Mike Greenaway, sports journalist – IOL
“I think he [Erasmus] has just thought… let’s get back to some basics.” 
– Mike Greenaway, sports journalist – IOL

Kick off is at 5.10 pm.

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