Rassie Erasmus releases two key Springbok stars following gruelling All Blacks series
- Tadhg Beirne returns as Munster make nine changes for Ulster clash - October 8, 2026
- Three former All Blacks make international switch in huge Rugby World Cup boost - October 8, 2026
- A shelf rated for 200kg does not mean what most clubs think it means - October 8, 2026
Rest up.
Rassie Erasmus has released two of his most experienced Springboks from camp following South Africa’s gruelling four-Test series against the All Blacks.
Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende will both miss next Sunday’s Test against Australia in Perth after being allowed to return home and spend time with their families.
The decision comes after a demanding Greatest Rivalry campaign which saw the Springboks recover from defeat in the opening Test to win three consecutive matches and claim the series 3-1.
Both Du Toit and De Allende featured prominently across the four Tests, with Erasmus now opting to manage their workload rather than bring them through another week of preparation for the Wallabies.
South Africa have sufficient cover within the squad currently in Australia, allowing the pair to be released ahead of the final Test of their campaign.
The Springboks arrived in Australia following their victory over New Zealand in Baltimore and are currently based in Terrigal, north of Sydney.
Erasmus has made it clear that the Boks will not simply treat the Wallabies Test as an opportunity to wind down following the intensity of their battle with the All Blacks.
“They’ll be really fresh, and they’ve won four out of five of their recent matches, while we come off a tough series against New Zealand,” Erasmus said.
“But RGR and this match have nothing to do with each other. This is a completely different challenge.”
The Boks will travel to Perth next Thursday before facing Australia at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 27.
Despite releasing two of his senior players, Erasmus insists South Africa remain fully focused on finishing their campaign strongly.
“This is a Test match against a country we’ve had a rivalry with since I can remember,” he said.
“It’s not a tour we want to finish off casually. This is a great country, and the World Cup is being hosted here next year, so it’s massive to be able to play against the World Cup hosts in a big Test match.”
