South Africa v Australia UK kick-off time, TV channel, live stream info and team news

South Africa and Australia lock horns on Sunday as the 2021 Rugby Championship continues on the Gold Coast.

The world champions, boosted by their series win over the British and Irish Lions this summer, play their first Test away from home since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Springboks are embarking on a challenging four-week stretch in their bid to defend their Rugby Championship crown, facing Australia twice before back-to-back encounters against the All Blacks.

But, fresh from two Bledisloe Cup defeats to New Zealand, Australia will be looking to preserve their five-match unbeaten run on home soil against the world champions. Australia have won eight of their last 10 matches against the Springboks at home, but the two sides have never met at Cbus Super Stadium.

Here’s everything you need to know about the match:

When is South Africa v Australia? What time is kick-off?

South Africa v Australia takes place on Sunday, September 12, at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. The match kicks off at 11.05am UK time.

Read more: How the world rugby rankings could change this weekend

What TV channel is South Africa v Australia on? What about live streaming?

For viewers in the UK, South Africa v Australia will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix, with coverage beginning at 10.55am. Sky Sports customers are able to live stream the coverage via the Sky Go app or online.

How to watch the game if you don’t have Sky Sports

You can watch Sky Sports without subscribing by getting a NOW TV Sports membership.

You can buy a day membership (£9.98) to Sky Sports to watch on your TV, phone and tablet, while monthly passes are also available. You can buy these passes from the NOW website.

What’s the South Africa v Australia team news?

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has made 13 changes to his matchday squad for the match: seven in the starting lineup and six among the replacements.

Experienced No. 8 Duane Vermeulen will make his first appearance for the Springboks since the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He underwent ankle surgery earlier this year, and linked up with the squad in August.

Scrumhalves Faf de Klerk (leg strain), Herschel Jantjies (hip pointer) and flanker Marco van Staden (ankle) are also back from injury.

Five changes to the starting team which defeated Argentina 29-10 in the second round of the Rugby Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay are among the forwards. Vermeulen takes over from Jasper Wiese at the back of the scrum, and Eben Etzebeth comes in for Marvin Orie at lock, while a new front row of Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe (both props) and Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) will be in action.

In the backline, Sbu Nkosi replaces Cheslin Kolbe after the fast-footed winger took a knock to the leg at training. Scrum-half De Klerk returns for the first time since the second Test against the British and Irish Lions in place of Cobus Reinach.

Hooker Malcolm Marx, props Ox Nché and Vincent Koch, Van Staden, Wiese and Jantjies join utility back Damian Willemse and loose forward Kwagga Smith on the bench.

As for Australia, Quade Cooper’s return has grabbed the headlines, while Michael Hooper will equal George Gregan’s Australian record for most Tests as Wallabies captain when he leads the side out for the 59th time.

Front rower Angus Bell, the youngest member of the squad, joins hooker Folau Fainga’a and tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa in the front row while Izack Rodda starts in the second row alongside Matt Philip and the back row remains unchanged for the third straight Test.

Tate McDermott will partner Cooper at fly-half and Samu Kerevi and Len Ikitau link up in midfield, while wingers Marika Koroibete and Andrew Kellaway are in the back three completed by full-back Tom Banks at fullback.

South Africa: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sbu Nkosi, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Faf de Klerk, 1. Steven Kitshoff, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Frans Malherbe, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Lood de Jager, 6. Siya Kolisi (capt), 7. Franco Mostert, 8. Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Ox Nché, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Marco van Staden, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Jasper Wiese, 22. Herschel Jantjies, 23. Damian Willemse.

Australia: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 13. Len Ikitau, 12. Samu Kerevi, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Tate McDermott, 1. Angus Bell, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Lachlan Swinton, 7. Michael Hooper (capt), 8. Rob Valetini.

Replacements: 16. Feleti Kaitu’u, 17. James Slipper, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Leota, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nic White, 22. Reece Hodge, 23. Jordan Petaia.

Who is the South Africa v Australia referee?

Luke Pearce (England) has been appointed the match referee.

Australia’s Damon Murphy and Jordan Way serve as assistant referees.

England’s Matthew Carley will be the TMO.

What have the coaches said?

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber: “We have been following the progress of the injured players on a daily basis, so we knew that we would be in a position to select most of them for this match.

“Australia pose a strong threat with their running rugby and they like to keep the ball in play. They will also be playing in front of a charged-up home crowd, so it will be good to have these experienced players back as they know what it takes to perform in big matches.

“Unfortunately, we lost Cheslin to injury, but we are fortunate to have Sbu who steps in. He’s been working hard at training and he is eager to get back on the field.”

Australia head coach Dave Rennie : “We’re thrilled for Quade that he’s earned another opportunity to pull on the gold jersey for his country.

“He’s had a really positive impact since joining the group, put pressure on us as selectors and he’s excited to get out there and perform on Sunday night.

“The match is also a huge occasion for our leader Michael Hooper. He’s been in phenomenal form and to equal George Gregan’s record as the most Tests as captain of Australia is a testament to his leadership and resilience.

“We also can’t overlook Allan and Reece who will bring up 50 Tests for their country, another outstanding achievement for two ultimate professionals who leave it all on the field every time they wear the jersey.”

• For the latest rugby news and analysis sent straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our Welsh rugby newsletter.