Wallabies vs Springboks live updates: All eyes on Australia’s $5 million man

Despite making 13 changes to their starting team, the Springboks start warm favourites with the bookmakers tonight.

The TAB has them at $1.47, with the Wallabies paying $2.70.

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has spoken to Stan Sport as we count down to a 7.45pm AEST kickoff.

“Magnificent stadium, and against the No.1 team in the world, something that really concentrates the mind for sure,” Kiss said.

“Look, the prep’s been good, we’ve just gotta back our game, back our plan, and make sure we keep going for 80 (minutes). You know these boys are really, really pumped up about what they can do in the jersey today, but it’s not going to be easy. They’re not No.1 for no reason at all, so we’re gonna have to be good.”

Kiss has opted for six forwards on his bench.

“Thoughts basically were, ‘let’s send out a finishing team,’ if we can get, Fraser (McReight) and Carlo (Tizzano) on the pitch at the same time, let’s go through the ground battle. We know the first half and the other parts of the game, we’ll have a big set-piece challenge, we’ll have to be good in our defence and that aerial battle will be tough as well,” Kiss said.

“That’s probably the reason that we put Jorgo (Max Jorgensen) and Su (Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii) on the wings to make sure we can manage that but also put them under pressure in that area.”

The Mandela Challenge Plate goes on the line tonight.

The Springboks have held the trophy since 2023.

Conditions are perfect for running rugby as the clock hits 5pm in Perth.

It’s sunny and 19 degrees as a huge crowd pours in.

The Wallabies will be without in-form lock Josh Canham tonight after he pulled up lame with a hamstring issue at training.

“It’s always a big loss when you lose your line-out caller and someone like Canham, who’s been playing some really good footy for us,” Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said.

“But with someone like Jeremy Williams, he has called international footy before and really looking forward to him having that opportunity.“

Firebrand Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has taken Canham’s spot in the starting side.

“I know how excited he is, and he’s been raring to go, and he might not offer Canham’s jumping ability but, gee whiz, he can offer some other stuff around the field,” Wilson said.

“We know they’re a team that will want to go through us, and they’re a big abrasive forward pack so to have someone like Lukhan next to you, it gives you a bit of confidence, and he really relishes those sorts of battles, when he’s up against Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth.

"He loves pulling the gold jersey and to get an opportunity to go against the best in the world, it's exciting for him."