South Africa’s shock 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth could have major consequences for several Springboks fighting to remain in coach Rassie Erasmus’ long-term plans.

Erasmus made 13 changes to his starting XV for the one-off Test, handing several players an opportunity to stake their claim as the Springboks continue their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

However, Australia raced into a commanding 42-17 lead before a late South African fightback – against 11 Wallabies for the final 10 minutes – gave the scoreboard some respectability.

Limited opportunities

With competition for places intensifying in the build-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup, several players could find their opportunities increasingly limited.

Here are four Springboks whose Test futures are now under even greater scrutiny.

Aphelele Fassi

Fassi was handed another opportunity at fullback, but endured a difficult afternoon against the Wallabies.

The 28-year-old struggled under the high ball, with one error punished with a try by Australian centre Len Ikitau.

The South African’s player ratings post-Test saw him score 5/10.

There were positives, including his involvement in Edwill van der Merwe’s first-half try, but the mistakes proved costly.

The bigger issue for Fassi is the competition for places.

Damian Willemse has regularly occupied the No 15 jersey in major Tests, while South Africa have considerable depth across the back three.

Fassi entered the match with 18 Test caps and will now face a battle for further opportunities.

Chances of making it to Rugby World Cup 2027: 40%

Herschel Jantjies

Jantjies’ selection for the Perth Test was notable after limited involvement for South Africa during the season – and past seasons.

The 30-year-old had played only around 25 minutes of Test rugby during the year, although his training performances had earned him the opportunity.

Unfortunately for Jantjies, his performance in what was his 26th Test did not go as planned.

The South African rated the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner 5.5/10 and questioned his decision-making before he was replaced by Morne van den Berg after 48 minutes.

Van den Berg subsequently impressed from the bench, scoring during the Springboks’ late fightback.

With Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach also competing for places, Jantjies faces strong competition at scrumhalf.

Chances of making it to Rugby World Cup 2027: 10%

Handre Pollard

Pollard’s situation is perhaps the most significant.

The 32-year-old remains one of the most important Springboks (88 Tests) of the Rassie Erasmus era, having played a decisive role in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.

However, the emergence of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has increased competition at flyhalf.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has increasingly looked comfortable directing the Springbok attack and is putting pressure on Pollard’s position in the pecking order.

Pollard returned from injury to start against Australia and successfully kicked his goals, but South Africa were unable to regain control of the match as the Wallabies established their commanding lead.

The South African scored Pollard at 5/10.

The veteran flyhalf has previously made it clear that reaching the 2027 Rugby World Cup remains a goal.

While it would be premature to suggest Perth was his final Test, his position as South Africa’s automatic first-choice flyhalf is facing increasing competition as Erasmus continues to develop his squad.

Erasmus appears to be a big believer in the talents of Manie Libbok.

In addition, there are a number of up-and-coming No 10s that have been earmarked as option in the pivot position, including Vusi Moyo and Yaqeen Ahmed.

Chances of making it to Rugby World Cup 2027: 55%

Marco van Staden

Marco van Staden is another Springbok whose position could come under increasing pressure as Rassie Erasmus continues to assess his options ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The experienced loose forward (38 Tests) has been a valuable squad member for South Africa, but competition for places in the back row is fierce.

With Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Cameron Hanekom, Ben-Jason Dixon, Jasper Wiese – and several other loose forwards – competing for Test opportunities, Van Staden will need to make the most of his chances when they come.

The 30-year-old brings physicality, breakdown expertise and experience to the Springbok squad, but Erasmus has shown a willingness to rotate his loose-forward combinations and develop younger options.

That means Van Staden’s experience alone may not guarantee him a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.

His challenge now is to remain consistently involved and convince Erasmus that his particular skill set remains valuable as South Africa’s back-row options continue to expand.

He does appear to conceded crucial penalties on an all-too frequent basis. As a result, The South African gave him a player rating of 5/10 post-match.

Chances of making it to Rugby World Cup 2027: 30%

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