By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Springboks will host six Test matches at home in 2025 following Wednesday’s confirmation of their fixture list.
After a bumper 2024 season which saw the Boks host Ireland in two Tests and New Zealand in two Tests, while also playing against Portugal and Argentina, Rassie Erasmus’ charges will welcome Italy, Georgia, Australia and Argentina to South Africa in 2025.
SA Rugby statement read: “The Springboks will welcome Italy, Georgia, Australia and Argentina to South Africa in 2025. Italy will visit South Africa for the first time since 2013 when they face the Boks on July 5 and 12. Dating back to their first visit in 1999, the Azzurri have only played seven Tests in South Africa before.
“A week later, the Boks will take on Georgia on home soil for the second time, in line with World Rugby’s plans to expose emerging nations to top tier opposition. The Lelos played one Test against South Africa in Pretoria in 2021, as prelude to the pandemic-impacted tour of the British and Irish Lions.
“The Boks will start the defence of their Castle Lager Rugby Championship crown against the Wallabies, who host the British and Irish Lions in July, on August 16 and 23. Away Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand follow on September 6 and 13 before the Boks wrap up The Rugby Championship at home (September 27) and away (October 4) against Argentina.
“SA Rugby will confirm venues and kick-off times at a later stage. Details of the venues for the All Blacks Tests, the away match in Argentina and the November tour to Europe will also be announced in due course.”
Springboks 2025 home matches
July 5: vs Italy
July 12: vs Italy
July 19: vs Georgia
August 16: vs Australia
August 23: vs Australia
September 27: vs Argentina.