Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is likely to make changes to the team lineup for the upcoming match against Australia in Perth, considering the high workload players endured during the recent series of games in the 'Great Rivalry' with the All Blacks.
The four-match epic against the All Blacks placed significant pressure on South Africa's key players. Midfield players Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende carried the heaviest load, each playing a maximum of 320 minutes throughout the tour.
In the center of the field, Pieter-Steph du Toit accumulated 306 minutes, while Eben Etzebeth and Jasper Wiese played 289 minutes each in this physically demanding series. Starting hooker Malcolm Marx was the only front-row forward to exceed 200 minutes, highlighting his immense value to the team.
Young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Musengu also took on a large operational load, playing 291 minutes at winger and fullback positions. This is an outstanding achievement for a player who entered the series with an injury.
Given that the team completed an exhausting 17-hour transcontinental flight from Baltimore to Western Australia, Erasmus is widely expected to rest several tired veterans.
Managing player workload remains a key element of the Springboks' long-term strategy ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year, opening opportunities for reserves to showcase their abilities in Perth.
In defense, Afelele Fassi may debut in the Bok jersey after the match in Argentina on August 8. He is ready to replace Damian Willemse, who experienced hamstring issues in Baltimore.
Although there is no clarity regarding Kanana Moody's finger injury, this fast player from Paarl is vying to rest Kriel at outside centre, while Andre Esterhuizen could potentially return to position 12. Alternatively, young and fit Ethan Hooker, who played 240 minutes against the All Blacks, could take up a midfield spot at 12 or 13 due to his size and explosive speed.
At halfback, Morné van den Berg deserves another start at scrumhalf following an impressive performance in Baltimore, and Mani Leibbok should receive a starting spot after his impactful substitutions off the bench against the All Blacks.
Among the forwards, dynamic winger Cameron Hanekom is ready to start after attracting attention from the bench against New Zealand, potentially pairing with talented Paul de Villiers in an updated backline.
Rotation in the front row is also crucial, as Marx appeared exhausted before entering the fourth match. Maintaining Marx's fitness ahead of next year's World Cup is critical, meaning Jan-Hendrik Vessels might get a chance at number 2 alongside Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar.
Vessels could also play at left tighthead, while Stormers tighthead Zachary Porten might return to the matchday squad after coming off the bench in Ellis Park.