2025 has already delivered a feast of Springbok rugby—headlined by commanding wins in the mid-year Tests and a rollercoaster Rugby Championship start. With half the calendar now complete, here’s your refreshed guide to the fixtures that matter most, especially those still to come.
Buy South Africa Rugby hospitality ticketsFixtures & Results So Far
Mid-Year Home Tests
- 28 June – vs Barbarians (Cape Town): The Springboks opened their season in style, securing a 45-26 win in front of a vibrant crowd.
- 5 & 12 July – vs Italy: Convincing victories in Pretoria (42-24) and Gqeberha (45-0) as South Africa flexed attacking depth.
- 19 July – vs Georgia: A commanding 55-10 victory in Nelspruit with younger players stepping up.
Rugby Championship Begins
- 16 August – vs Australia (Johannesburg): A stunning collapse—South Africa led 22-0 but fell away to lose 38-22.
- 23 August – vs Australia (Cape Town): Redemption came swiftly with a hard-fought 30-22 win, powered by precise goal-kicking and scrum dominance.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
- 6 September – vs New Zealand (Auckland): A pivotal clash on enemy turf.
- 13 September – vs New Zealand (Wellington): A rare back-to-back Test series in New Zealand, decisive for the Championship.
- 27 September – vs Argentina (Durban): Expect a passionate Kings Park crowd for South Africa’s final home Test of the year.
- 4 October – vs Argentina (Twickenham): A unique European showcase for UK-based fans to see the Boks in action.
Key Talking Points
A tale of two performances
After a poor showing in Johannesburg, South Africa rebounded in Cape Town, highlighting both their vulnerabilities and resilience.
Lineout stability
Set-piece issues in the first Test against Australia forced changes, with RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje reinforcing the second row and restoring control.
High-stakes away missions
The looming double-header in New Zealand and a neutral clash at Twickenham will test travel logistics, depth, and composure.
Balancing experience and youth
Coach Rassie Erasmus continues to blend seasoned figures like Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit with new caps, preparing the next generation of Springboks.
Player Spotlight
- Siya Kolisi – Inspirational captain, pivotal on and off the field.
- Pieter-Steph du Toit – Relentless in defence and leadership.
- Handré Pollard – Faultless from the tee in Cape Town, crucial in tight contests.
- RG Snyman – A towering presence, stabilising the lineout.
- Ethan Hooker & Asenathi Ntlabakanye – Emerging talents, already showing promise in 2025.
Why 2025 Remains a Pivotal Year
Despite the season being half complete, the Springboks still face defining fixtures. Their performances in New Zealand and London will not only shape Rugby Championship outcomes but also set the tone heading into the next World Cup cycle. For fans, these are must-see matches that capture the intensity and evolution of South African rugby.
Buy South Africa Rugby hospitality tickets
Comments