Coach Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks are likely to play closer to their traditional DNA when they take on the Wallabies in the second Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

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After admitting to ‘overplaying’ at Ellis Park last Saturday and the likelihood of rain, Erasmus has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench.

“We feel we need that in this game. At altitude, we thought running all over would tire their legs but we got that totally wrong and maybe outsmarted ourselves. They really played clever. The 6-2 points more to a grind than a running game, and I think the weather will also not allow us just to run around.”

With Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit sidelined, Erasmus has turned to Franco Mostert and Jean-Luc du Preez to refresh the loose trio.

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Mostert is no stranger to the No 7 jersey and Erasmus backs him to bring the energy and versatility needed to steady the Bok pack.

“Having Sous [Mostert] there, he’s done it many times for us and is probably among the fittest guys in the team and is very close to what we have in Pieter-Steph. He knows what we want to do, and we feel a guy like Sous will help us in the lineouts and in general play where the game gets a little bit loose, he can help us tidy it up.”

The Bok coach is adamant that his team has learned from the Ellis Park defeat.

“We are pleased with this squad, and we are all aligned on what we have to do to lift our standards this week. Australia also showed that they can fight until the end, so it will be vital for us to give everything until the final whistle this weekend. This match is essential for us to get our campaign on track, and we all realise the importance of ensuring that we do not make the same mistakes as last week.”

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