Erasmus rolls the dice for must-win Aussie showdown

THE Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign could be over before it barely started if they fall to the Wallabies for a second weekend in a row.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

For that reason, head coach Rassie Erasmus decided to ring the changes and select his most experienced available side for the "deciding" match against the Australians in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon (5.10pm kickoff).

Erasmus made 10 changes to the starting side that lost 38-22 at Ellis Park, bringing back several double World Cup winners to steady the ship as they anticipate a graft against the high-flying Aussies.

Centurion Willie le Roux is back at fullback, while Handré Pollard will provide steadiness at flyhalf. At the same time, Damian de Allende retakes his midfield partnership with captain Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe slots in on the wing.

That is a significant boost in experience for the backline, and their game management will be under heavy scrutiny after the faltering in Johannesburg. Upfront, there is a new lock combination in RG Snyman and Ruan Nortjé, behind experienced front-rowers. Veterans Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are set to make an impact as part of the bomb squad replacement bench behind the more inexperienced front-rankers, like hooker Marnus van der Merwe and Boan Venter.