I, as I'm sure many of you are, am still suffering from Rugby World Cup withdrawal symptoms. It has been a good six weeks or so since the Bokke went back to back in Paris. The trophy tour swept Bok fever around the country and its been all anyone can talk about. This coming Friday we are getting an extra public holiday thanks to the men in Green & Gold and I hope everyone will be wearing their Bok jerseys to celebrate it.
There was more good news this week however, as SARU confirmed the Springboks home fixture for 2024. A total of 6 tests will be spread out across the country. Unlike 2020, we won't have to miss the Springboks post World Cup due to Covid and I imagine all of these games selling out very quickly. I can't wait to be in those stands and singing our national anthem again.
The Springboks will host Ireland for two tests, with a third and possible decider in the pipeline during the end of year tour, where they will also face England. The Irish tour promises to be a titanic battle as the Springboks seek revenge for that World Cup pool stage loss, whilst the Irish will be seeking to back up their tour win in New Zealand, with similar spoils here.
A once off test has also been scheduled against Portugal. The Portuguese side were the surprise package at this years World Cup. They secured a win over Fiji and played some incredible rugby. Their try against Wales off the lineout being one of my favorites. It is great to see them getting game time against stronger opposition. Remembering too that Victor Matfield spent time with the side before the World Cup. The venue for this game has yet to be confirmed, but it would be great to see it go to PE this time.
There will also be some Rugby Championship action here with Los Pumas here for a test and the All Blacks playing two tests here, giving fans a chance to relive the World Cup final action, albeit under the guide of Rassie and Razor this time around. So grab those calenders, mark them out now and keep an eye out for when the tickets go on sale, here are the fixtures:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (venue TBC)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)