Esterhuizen to captain Springboks in Perth Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named André Esterhuizen as captain for the one-off Test against Australia in Perth, making the 32-year-old the 68th player to lead South Africa, while making 13 changes to the starting XV that beat the All Blacks in Baltimore. Only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker retain their places from the 43-28 victory in the United States, which sealed a 3-1 win in the series dubbed Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. Flyhalf Handré Pollard and utility back Canan Moodie return from injury in the reshuffled lineup, while Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Test cap off the replacements bench. Esterhuizen, who has featured at both inside centre and flank, captained the Sharks before earning the national armband. Erasmus said the centre thoroughly deserves the opportunity and that the appointment will help build the squad's leadership core, with several players having captained the side over recent seasons. Erasmus also confirmed that Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have been released from the squad to return home to their families.