Erasmus Names Strong Squad for Rugby Championship Opener

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a formidable 23-man squad, packed with 18 Rugby World Cup winners, for South Africa’s 2025 Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The team features only three players with five or fewer Test caps, forward replacements Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, along with right wing Edwill van der Merwe. Van der Merwe earns a starting berth as Erasmus opts not to risk Cheslin Kolbe, who is easing back from a knee injury.

Captain Siya Kolisi will lead from number eight, supported in the loose trio by Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden. Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel form the midfield pairing, while Aphelele Fassi gets the nod at full-back.

Damian Willemse headlines the backline options on the bench, offering impact in the latter stages of the match.