South Africa will field a significantly altered lineup as they face Australia in a one-off rugby test at Perth Stadium, Western Australia, on Sunday. The match follows South Africa’s recent 3-1 series triumph over New Zealand in what has been dubbed the "Greatest Rivalry."

The Springboks are expected to draw strong support from the sizable expatriate South African community in Perth, which has consistently turned out in large numbers for previous fixtures. However, the team set to take the field will look markedly different from the squad that secured the series victory against the All Blacks, with 13 changes made to the starting XV.

Only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker have retained their positions from the 43-28 win in Baltimore that clinched the series. Etzebeth will also extend his record as South Africa’s most capped player, reaching 147 test matches. The front row will feature a new combination, with props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen joining hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard, a two-time World Cup winner, returns from a calf injury to form a new halves pairing with scrum-half Herschel Jantjies, who has recently recovered to full fitness. Center Andre Esterhuizen has been named captain, becoming the 68th player to lead the South African national team.

Australia will also make tactical adjustments ahead of the match. Joseph-Aukuso Sua’alii, who has primarily played at outside center in his 24 international appearances, will start on the left wing. This shift is part of Australia’s plan to counter South Africa’s dominance in the aerial game, which was a key factor in their success against New Zealand. Tom Wright will continue at fullback, with Max Jorgensen positioned on the right wing.

South Africa currently holds the world No. 1 ranking and will look to maintain their status with a strong performance on Sunday, while Australia aims to exploit its home advantage and challenge the visiting side’s tactical approach.