Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks team relax in Perth ahead of Australia match

The captain of the Australian women's team, Sophie Molinks, commented for the first time on rumors concerning the relationship between players Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall. Despite active discussions about this relationship, Molinks emphasized that the priority for the Australian team remains focusing on cricket and maintaining a strong team atmosphere.

According to Sophie Molinks, Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall are experienced and outstanding athletes. She is confident that both players have the ability to handle the attention they receive on the field and maintain concentration on the game. It should be noted that Ashley Gardner was previously in a relationship with Monica Wright, which ended. Wright claimed that the breakup occurred due to an alleged romance between Gardner and Georgia Wall.

Molinks assured that the team will support Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall just like the other players. She believes that what is most important for the team are the players' results, a strong team culture, and a positive environment. In an interview with Code Sports, Molinks stated: 'I think they will be able to deliver results. They are brilliant players, and there will be no changes in the team. We will support them just as we support each other. For us, the most important things are the result, strong culture, and good atmosphere.'

Following their victory in the T20 Cup, Australia is preparing for its domestic season. The Australian women's team won the title by defeating England in the final. Now Australia faces the task of playing a three-match ODI series against the Bangladesh women's team. All three matches of the series will take place at Alan Border Field in Brisbane.

The schedule for the Australia-Bangladesh series is as follows: the first ODI will take place on October 9th, the second ODI on October 11th, and the third ODI on October 14th.

The upcoming test match between the Springboks and the Wallabies in Perth provides the Springboks team with an opportunity to conduct practical training ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup playoffs.

Despite the immediate goal of winning away against the Wallabies, the coaching staff under Rassie Erasmus is already analyzing all logistical and game details in anticipation of defending the title next year in Australia.

The Springboks are scheduled to return to this venue in October 2027, where they will face Romania in the third group match of the World Cup, making this test match a strategic operational rehearsal.

The group match itself is expected to be predetermined, as the Boks are likely to easily defeat the Romanian team. However, it is the first playoff match in Perth that will command the full attention of the Springboks.

Since the Springboks are likely to finish first in Group B, they will face the best team that finished third in Groups D, E, or F in the Round of 16. Siya Kolisi's team is expected to meet one of the teams from Japan, Samoa, or Tonga in this match before a possible quarter-final clash against their long-time rivals, the All Blacks.

Playing in Perth next Saturday allows the Boks to adapt in advance to the specific environmental conditions and logistical features of the city. Furthermore, Western Australia has a large South African community, and the upcoming match will give the Boks insight into the loud support in 'Perthfontein' that they might expect in 2027.

When South Africa meets Romania next year, as well as whoever awaits them in the Round of 16, the opponents may differ, but the environment will remain the same. By conducting rehearsals at the stadium, hotels, and training facilities now, Erasmus ensures that his team eliminates unknown variables, striving to reach peak form by the start of the main World Cup stage.

In the World Cup campaign, where success is determined by minor advantages, this early reconnaissance in Perth could prove to be a subtle yet decisive edge.