Overview

• Australia will be without James Slipper (concussion) and Dylan Pietsch (broken jaw), prompting call-ups for Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu and Rhys van Nek.
• South Africa have ruled out captain Siya Kolisi (knee) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (head-injury protocol), leaving Rassie Erasmus to rethink his back row selection.
• Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted his staff “missed a few tricks” and is set to shift from expansive play toward a more direct, forward-driven game plan.
• Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies, buoyed by their 38-22 Ellis Park comeback, are bracing for a fierce Springbok response with Will Skelton and Tate McDermott warning that pressure is coming.
• The outcome has altered World Rugby rankings, boosted Australia’s seeding prospects and heightened scrutiny of South Africa’s squad depth and World Cup succession planning.