Overview
- The Springboks clinched the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1 with a 43-28 win in Baltimore on 12 September, strengthening their position at the top of the world rankings.
- The squad completed a long Baltimore-to-Australia journey and are based in Terrigal as they train for a one-off Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium on 27 September.
- Coaching staff plan to manage recovery and use rotation in Perth to protect players after four intense Tests, while giving game time to young candidates pushing for World Cup consideration.
- The series highlighted South Africa’s set-piece power and bench impact as decisive advantages, but coverage and opponents raised concerns about refereeing around scrums and breakdowns.
- Media and pundits say the result gives Erasmus room to refine attacking options and defensive breakdown work ahead of the Nations Championship and the final build to the 2027 World Cup.