Overview

• James O’Connor will make his first Test appearance since 2022 at flyhalf for Australia with Tane Edmed called up to the bench after Ben Donaldson suffered an upper-leg injury in training.
• Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has replaced Jan-Hendrik Wessels with Boan Venter on the replacements bench to provide additional front-row cover.
• Ellis Park’s altitude and the anticipated set-piece and breakdown battles are expected to be pivotal match factors in the opening Test.
• The Wallabies’ squad reflects Joe Schmidt’s response to recent Lions series challenges by blending veteran recalls and fresh contingency options.
• New touring agreements, including an All Blacks eight-match tour of South Africa and Australia’s 2027 World Cup hosting, have cast doubt on the return of a double-round Rugby Championship format.