Springboks v Wallabies Cape Town Preview

Fri, Aug 22, 2025, 9:00 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies are hunting to back up last week's heroics as they face the Springboks in Cape Town.

The Australians stunned the world champions with their first win in Johannesburg in over 60 years.

Get your tickets to see the Wallabies take on Argentina and New Zealand during the 2025 Flight Centre Rugby Championship!

As for the Springboks, they will be searching for a much-needed win to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in 2025.

Rugby.com.au previews all the action presented by Bet365

Sunday August 24 1:10 am AEST – Wallaroos v Springboks at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
Teams

Springboks (15-1): Aphelele Fassi; Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (capt), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman; Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.

Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth,Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

  • Aphelele Fassi replaces Wille le Roux in a late change for the hosts
  • Jesse Kriel captains the side as one of five remaining players in the starting side from last week.
  • Cheslin Koble returns to the team on the wing

Wallabies (15-1): Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Corey Toole; James O'Connor, Nic White; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight (capt), Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Nick Frost; Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway

  • Fraser McReight captains the side, with Harry Wilson out with a knee injury
  • Rob Valetini replaces Wilson after overcoming a calf complaint 
  • Corey Toole makes this Test debut on the wing
Stats
  • Australia will be looking to defeat South Africa twice in a single edition of the Rugby Championship for the second time since 2012
  • South Africa has not lost back-to-back Tests since November 2022.
  • South Africa has won their last seven games against Australia at Cape Town.
Key Match Up

Corey Toole v Cheslin Koble

Two of the fastest players in World Rugby will go head-to-head in an exciting battle of speed.

Toole has been one of the exciting talents in Australia but faces the tough task of taking on one of the best wingers of the 2020s.

Kolbe’s presence was missed in last week’s defeat, with the winger set to test Toole’s improved defence.

Prediction

Springboks by 4

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