The Springbok Women will face Scotland and Italy – both ranked in the top-10 – in their opening matches of WXV 2 in the Western Cape in October, and they will play Samoa in a historic first Test match between the two countries in South Africa.
The Springboks departed South Africa’s shores determined to make the country proud and hopeful that they could deliver the quality of play worthy of defending their world champions’ title as they headed to Cardiff for the first stop on their way to France for the Rugby World Cup.
Bok-barmy supporters are being given the chance to see their heroes one last time on South African soil on Saturday at a star-studded public au revoir to the reigning world champions.
Former Springbok stars Jean de Villiers, John Smit and Victor Matfield says the absence of three injured first choice players will be a massive challenge for South Africa in their Rugby World Cup defence.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 21 players with Rugby World Cup experience (nine of whom will be appearing at their third RWC tournament) when he revealed the defending champion’s squad of 33 players for the 2023 edition in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber is facing a "very difficult" squad selection ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks proved they are on track with their Rugby World Cup preparations as they delivered a strong second-half performance to overpower Argentina 24-13 in the first of three warm-up games at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The Springboks secured an impressive 24-13 victory over Argentina following a strong second half showing in Buenos Aires on Saturday evening.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Bongi Mbonambi said the team were ready for what is going to be a brutal battle against the Pumas at Estadio Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday in the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up games.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi will captain the national team for first time on Saturday when he leads a new-look combination against Argentina in Buenos Aires in the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up games. The team shows 13 changes to the starting line-up, while the 23 includes talented prop Gerhard Steenekamp, who could make his Springbok debut.