The Springboks are refusing to treat Sunday’s clash with Australia as a mere season finale, with the world champions determined to finish their international campaign with a statement victory in Perth.
After bruising weeks against New Zealand in the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, the Boks have made changes to their line-up, but assistant coach Mzwandile Stick insists the intensity will remain high when they face a resurgent Wallabies side at Optus Stadium.
For the Springboks, the Perth showdown is an opportunity to end the international season on a high while giving fringe players a chance to stake their claims.
Stick highlighted the return of Canan Moodie and Handre Pollard, while also backing Herschel Jantjies to make the most of his opportunity after limited game time this season.
“I’m also thrilled to see a guy like Herschel Jantjies,” Stick said.
“He’s probably only played about 25 minutes this season, but he’s been great in training sessions, so I’m very excited for him to get a chance.”
But Australia are unlikely to offer the Boks a gentle finish.
The Wallabies have won four of their last five matches, drawing against Argentina, and Stick believes their resurgence under new coaching staff has injected fresh belief into the team.
“They’re in a good space,” he said.
The Boks also have unfinished business with Australia following their stunning 38-22 defeat at Ellis Park last year, when the Wallabies famously recovered from a 24-point deficit.
That collapse remains a warning for South Africa.
“We learnt a lot from what happened at Ellis Park,” Stick said, emphasising the need for the Boks to remain disciplined and execute their plan for the full 80 minutes,” he said.
Australia have also selected what Stick described as their strongest possible 23, with the Springboks expecting a physical battle.
“They’ve got powerful runners in that centre partnership, and they’ve selected a wing with a strong kicking game,” he said.
“They are a team that showed that if you’re not good on the day, they can punish you,” he concluded.
The Test kicks off at 11h45 South African time.
