The Rugby World Cup is approaching and the rugby tournament provides valuable time for the game to prepare for the crucial event in France.
South Africa face Australia and it is likely that both sides will experiment with new formations to get into September at their best.
The reigning champions were great in Pretoria against the Wallabies, who never win in the city, but the Springboks could be vulnerable if their side changed too often.
There is no doubt that Eddie Jones will be ready to fight as he returns to the Australian coaching fund for the first time since taking over as manager after being sacked by England in December.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match at Loftus Versfeld.:
What time is the South Africa vs Australia match?
The South Africa vs Australia match is scheduled to kick off at 4:05pm BST on Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
How can I watch?
UK viewers can watch the Rugby Championship match live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage starting at 3.55pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game live via the Sky Go app.
Team news
Jack Nenaber has dismissed accusations that this is a Division II Springbok team, though his selection shows a fresh look. Duane Vermeulen leads the team at the back of a group that includes former Ireland and Manchester United international John Klein, who is set to make his debut for his native country after missing out on Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad. Manny Leboc gets the first opportunity in midfield in the absence of Handry Pollard, with Damien Willems providing versatile defensive coverage from the bench 6:2.
Ox Nche was selected to start at the loose head, but prop will now miss the tournament due to injury; Steven Keechoff was recalled due to an early flight to New Zealand with a group of other squadron members.
There are four newcomers to the Australian 23, with Eddie Jones usually unpredictable when naming his first Wallabies team since returning as head coach. . The tough guy has recently recovered from a knee injury and is in the starting lineup.
Toughhead Zane Nonggorr could get his first cap off the bench, while Carter Gordon is also rewarded with a backup opportunity to veteran Quade Cooper. Richie Arnold completes the list of potential first team players after an impressive spell at Toulouse.
Confirmed lineups
Springboks XV: Willy Le Roux Canan Moody, Luchanio AM, Andre Esterhuizen, and Court Lee Arendse; Manny LeBoc, Cobus Reinach; Duane Vermeulen (Captain), Peter Steve du Toit, Marco van Staden; Marvin Urie, Jan Klein; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, and Stephen Ketchoff.
Alternatives: Joseph Duiba, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RJ Sneman, Evan Ross, Dion Faury; Grant Williams and Damien Williams
Wallabies XV: Tom Wright, Solici Funivalo, Lynn Iketao, Rhys Hodge, Marika Coropetti, Quad Cooper, Nick White; Rob Valettini, Michael Hooper (co-captain), Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Alan Alatoa, Dave Borecki, James Slipper (co-captains).
Alternatives: Jordan Ulessi, Matt Gibbon, Zane Nongor, Richie Arnold, Pete Samu; Tate McDermott, Samu Kerefe, Carter Gordon
opportunities
by fine
South Africa won 1/3
Draw 1/20
Australia won 5/13
South Africa – 7 4/5
tie -7 20/1
Australia +7 events
2023 Rugby Championship Games
- Round 1: South Africa v Australia – Saturday 8 July – 4.05pm Sky Sports Action (GMT)
- Round 1: Argentina – New Zealand – Saturday 8 July – 8.10pm, Sky Sports Action (GMT)
- Round 2: New Zealand v South Africa – Saturday 15th July – 8.05am Sky Sports Action (GMT)
- Round 2: Australia v Argentina – Saturday 15th July – 10.45am, Sky Sports Action (GMT)
- Round 3: Australia – New Zealand – Saturday 29 July – 10.45am, Sky Sports Action (GMT)
- Round 3: South Africa v Argentina – Saturday 29 July – 4.05pm, Sky Sports Action (GMT)
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