The world champion Springboks, led by the ever-charismatic Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus, will not be in action for some time.
When are the Springboks next playing?
Well, after facing Ireland in a thrilling two-Test series in South Africa earlier this year, the Springboks take on traditionally weaker opposition in the form of 10th-ranked Italy in July next year.
The’ll also host a tier-two nation in South Africa, as they did with Portugal on 20 July this year. It’s reported that Georgia is the favourite to face the Springboks on South African soil in 2025.
Back facing the big guns led by Siya Kolisi
Meanwhile, in the Rugby Championship, South Africa tackles the Wallabies in back-to-back home Tests in 2025. They also meet New Zealand in two away Tests in a venue reversal of the fixtures from 2024.
South Africa also has a home and an away match against Argentina as they look to defend their Rugby Championship title.
The cities that will host South Africa’s home international – and exact fixture dates – are still to be decided, but Erasmus is expected to have a considerable influence in selecting those venues.
Since 1995, the Springboks have faced Italy in 16 Tests, winning 15 and Italy only one in Florence in 2016 (20-18).
Siya Kolisi was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential
Siyamthanda Kolisi etched his name into the record books last year when he became only the second man to captain his country to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs.
This is what he said in an Instagram caption to address this honour:
“Being named to the 2024 #TIME100 list is an incredible honour, one that deeply humbles me. It’s a profound responsibility to stand alongside individuals who dedicate their lives to enriching others. This recognition isn’t just for me; it reflects the numerous individuals and communities who have poured into me and shaped me to be the person I am and am becoming. I’m grateful to @time for highlighting the importance of compassion and service in our world. I look forward to getting my hands on the TIME100 issue when it’s released on Friday.”
Springboks siblings
It must be a special feeling representing your country in any sporting code. Now imagine how that’s magnified by doing so alongside a beloved family member. Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse became the 36th pair of brothers to represent the Springboks when South Africa thumped Wales on Saturday 23 November.
Jaden (24-year-old scrumhalf) and Jordan (23-year-old flyhalf) Hendrikse are the first set of brothers to appear together since Dan and Robert du Preez featured against Wales in Washington DC at the start of the 2018 season. The last time a set of brothers were included in a Springboks starting team was in the Rugby World Cup pool match against Scotland in 2015 when front rowers Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis ran out in tandem in Newcastle.
Via the full list of 36 brotherly pairs via Garrin Lambley
Notable Springbok brothers
Younger readers will certainly remember the likes of Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis and the Ndungane brothers, Odwa and Akona. The wonderfully named Oupa & Hasie Versveld started their careers for the Springboks in 1891, some 133 years ago. Can’t say we remember them all that well.
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