The Springboks will return to Adelaide for only the second time ever when they kick off their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign against Italy on Sunday, 3 October, before heading to Brisbane and Perth to face Georgia and Romania in their two remaining pool matches.
Wilco Louw was still buzzing from the team’s 32-17 victory against France at Stade de France, but the big Springbok prop immediately turned his attention to Saturday’s clash against Italy in Turin, saying it would be another big battle.
The following statement has been agreed by the national rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and Italy.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi shot down the favourites tag as the team prepares to face Argentina in their Rugby Championship decider in London on Saturday and said they expected an arm-wrestle of a match and full-out retaliation from the Pumas.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a powerful squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand, with captain Siya Kolisi, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, all returning from injury.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi said on Friday their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday would be their toughest Test so far this season, but they were confident the team was at the level they needed to be going into the encounter.
The Springboks have been forced to make a late change as prop Boan Venter will provide front-row cover off the bench in Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener against Australia.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a strong team for the side’s opening Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, with the matchday squad featuring 18 Rugby World Cup winners and only one player who made his Test debut during the Castle Lager Incoming Series.