Overview
- The Mandela Challenge Plate one-off Test will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, 27 September and is the only meeting between the sides this year.
- South Africa’s coach Rassie Erasmus named 13 changes to his starting XV, made Andre Esterhuizen captain for the first time, and restored Handre Pollard at fly-half to manage player workloads and expand squad depth.
- Australia selected a refreshed side with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing and Harry Wilson as captain after Josh Canham was ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
- Broadcasters for the match are confirmed as SuperSport in South Africa, Sky Sports+ in the UK/Ireland, and Stan Sport and Nine in Australia, but outlets differ on the South African kickoff time reporting 11:45am SA versus 11:30am SA.
- The Test functions as a practical build-up ahead of Australia’s Bledisloe Cup campaign and gives fringe players a chance to stake claims for future selection while protecting minutes for those recently through a heavy Test schedule.