Springboks turn to Wallabies after demanding US tour

The Springboks have landed in Australia following their series victory over the All Blacks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, shifting their focus to a one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth.

The squad flew in on Wednesday morning local time, having travelled from Baltimore via Dallas and Sydney before reaching Terrigal, north of Sydney, where preparations for the match will get under way.

The Test, at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September, will be the first meeting between South Africa and Australia this year and forms part of the Springboks' build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, to be hosted in Australia.

South Africa will also meet Romania in Perth in their third World Cup pool match, on Friday, 22 October 2027, SA Rugby reports.

Coach Rassie Erasmus said the side wanted to finish the current tour on a high before returning home for several weeks ahead of the away leg of the Nations Championship, and expects Australia to pose a different kind of challenge to the recent matches against Argentina and the All Blacks.

He also flagged player welfare as a priority given the gruelling travel schedule and succession of physically demanding fixtures – the squad had a rest day in Baltimore before setting off for Australia, with head of athletic performance Andy Edwards and the logistics team working to limit the toll of travel.

Erasmus credited both teams for helping players and coaching staff manage the demands of the tour.