South Africa Springboks front row Elrigh Louw is brimming with confidence ahead of South Africa’s clash with the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth this Saturday.
Louw, who will be earning his second start for the Springboks, is one of only five players retained in the starting lineup by head coach Rassie Erasmus after South Africa’s dominant 33-7 victory over Australia in Brisbane last weekend.
With ten changes made to the matchday squad, Louw views this as another golden opportunity to solidify his place in the team. “The Wallabies will definitely come back stronger,” Louw acknowledged, fully aware that the Australians will be looking to avenge their heavy defeat.
“They’ll sharpen up their game, and we’re ready for that. It’s crucial for us not to be caught off guard by their tactics, so we just have to execute our game plan to the best of our ability.”
Louw, who will be earning his sixth Test cap, expressed his excitement about getting another start in the iconic green and gold jersey.
Reflecting on his performance in Brisbane, he said, “I certainly gained some confidence from last week with my first start, and now I know what to expect this week. My approach won’t change much—I’ll just go out there and give my best for the team.”
The versatile forward, who can play both No. 8 and flanker, emphasized the importance of fulfilling his role in the squad, regardless of the position.
“Everyone has a role to play in the team, and for me, it’s about getting my hands on the ball and playing my game. Whether I’m at No. 8 or flanker, my focus is on contributing as much as I can.”
Louw is well aware of the fierce competition for the Bok No. 8 jersey, with players like Jasper Wiese returning from suspension and Evan Roos recovering from surgery.
However, he remains unfazed, understanding that the bigger picture is about building squad depth and preparing for top-tier rugby.
“We’re all aligned with the team’s goals, and as coach Rassie said, he wants to build depth and expose players to high-level rugby. My goal this weekend is to do my best and make the most of this chance.”
In addition to his personal goals, Louw is eager to link up with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who will be making his first Test start on Saturday.
“We played together briefly in the Test against Portugal, but we’ve trained well together this week, and that gives us confidence going into the game,” Louw said.
The Springboks took Thursday off to rest and mentally prepare for the upcoming battle in Perth. They will finalize their on-field preparations on Friday with a captain’s run, ensuring they are ready for Saturday’s encounter, which kicks off at 11:55 AM local time.
As the Boks prepare to face a Wallabies side determined to bounce back, Louw and his teammates are focused on maintaining their momentum and executing their game plan with precision.
With depth in the squad and players like Louw stepping up, the Springboks are well-positioned to take on Australia and continue their strong start to the international season.
