Overview
- Australia announced its starting XV and replacements on Friday, moving Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i from outside centre to left wing and naming Ben Donaldson to start at flyhalf after Carter Gordon fractured his leg.
- Coach Les Kiss packed the bench with six forwards and two backs to counter South Africa’s power in the set piece and in the late game, leaving no specialist flyhalf among the replacements.
- South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to his lineup to rest experienced players and broaden his options after a 3-1 series win over New Zealand.
- Kiss said the high ball would be decisive, so he shifted a top centre to the wing to use Sua’ali’i’s aerial skills and asked his forwards to match the Boks’ physical game.
- The test will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, Sept 27 with Andrea Piardi appointed referee, setting up a contest of aerial control, forward endurance and international squad depth.