Captain Siya Kolisi says he will play a similar role for the Springboks despite wearing No 8 on his back against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Kolisi, who usually packs down at openside flank, will start at the back of the scrum for the Rugby Championship opener.

Explaining the selection earlier this week, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said: “The more we practised and prepared, we realised the only time Siya really plays at eight is during scrums, and scrums happen maybe 13 or 14 times a game. General play happens far more. Australia are a huge threat at the breakdown, and Pieter-Steph [du Toit], Marco [van Staden] and Siya are really strong there.”

Kolisi, who earns his 94th Test cap this weekend, said his responsibilities would remain largely unchanged.

“My role will change slightly in the lineouts and the scrums, but other than that I’ll be fulfilling my usual role,” he said. “Playing No 8 at the Sharks certainly helped me, although the role here is different.

“I’m also not the same type of player as Jasper [Wiese] or Duane [Vermeulen] in terms of my size, so I’m going to give what I can offer.”

The Bok skipper said the breakdown battle would be decisive.

“Myself, Marco and Pieter-Steph have an important job, although breakdowns are a team effort.”

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Kolisi also warned against underestimating Joe Schmidt’s side, who impressed against the British & Irish Lions.

“We saw how they played, and we’ve been in the position they are now. It would be foolish to think they won’t throw everything at us. The talk in our camp has solely been on Australia – we’re not thinking about New Zealand yet.”

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Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed the respect for the Wallabies and confirmed a late bench change, with Boan Venter replacing Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

“Jan took a knock at training, and we didn’t want to risk him. Boan has been with us for several weeks and fits into the structures well. This is a great opportunity for him.”

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