Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus may be able to rest some of his stalwarts against Italy and Georgia next year. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
The Springboks could embrace a unique opportunity next July to experiment more with their squad in a series of three home Tests against Italy and Georgia.
It is not against the toughest opponents, but will still be a vital start to 2025 for the South African team, allowing head coach Rassie Erasmus to assess fresh talent and solidify strategies ahead of their intense Rugby Championship title defence later that year.
Following a gruelling start to their post-World Cup season, where the Springboks faced formidable opponents such as Ireland, the 2025 schedule offers a different flavour.
With Italy, dubbed the Azzurri, slated to arrive in South Africa for two Test matches on July 5 and July 12, and Georgia, known as the Lelos, set to play on July 19, these fixtures present an ideal testing ground for the Boks.
This upcoming series marks the first visit of the Azzurri to South African shores since 2013, amplifying the significance of the occasion as they look to add to their record against the Springboks, having previously faced them in seven encounters.
Meanwhile, for Georgia, this will be only their second match against the Boks, coming after their debut against South Africa in 2021.
Opportunity to experiment and get the newbies game time. Importantly a few of the senior players should be given a chance to rest up. https://t.co/CBLD3jW5QY
Throughout the 2024 season, the Springboks predominantly relied on their World Cup-winning squad, but Erasmus has been keen on integrating fresh talent.
A cadre of debutants showcased their skills during the last season, and now their performances in the United Rugby Championship and various other club tournaments will be under scrutiny.
Strong showings could see them secure a spot for these pivotal summer Tests.
Senior players like captain Siya Kolisi, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, and stalwarts such as Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende could potentially benefit from an extended break next July.
While younger talents vie for their chances, seasoned veterans will be primed for the Rugby Championship title defence, which will commence with back-to-back home clashes against Australia on August 16 and 23.
The Wallabies, who have struggled under new coach Joe Schmidt, will surely be eager to showcase a revival after their dismal performance in the southern-hemisphere competition.
The Wallabies, who have struggled under new coach Joe Schmidt, will surely be eager to showcase a revival after their dismal performance in the southern-hemisphere competition – a factor the Boks will no doubt take into consideration.
They scored wins in their year-end Tests against England and Wales – and will face Ireland in Dublin this weekend – and showed some sort of revival ahead of facing the British and Irish Lions in July, so this series should brace them for what the Boks will bring.
After the Aussie clashes, a demanding series against the All Blacks in New Zealand awaits Erasmus’ charges (September 6 and 13), before concluding the Rugby Championship against Argentina at home (September 27) and away (October 4).
SA Rugby will confirm the venues and kickoff times, as well as the Boks’ opponents for the 2025 year-end tour, in due course.
2025 Springbok home fixtures
July 5: Italy, July 12: Italy, July 19: Georgia, August 16: Australia, August 23: Australia, September 27: Argentina
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