The reigning world champions, the Springboks, will make a triumphant return to the iconic Twickenham Stadium in June. They’ll face Wales in a thrilling clash for the Qatar Airways Cup, the perfect prelude to a packed international season highlighted by two tests against top-ranked Ireland in July.
This much-awaited fixture will evoke memories of the Springboks’ hard-fought 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory against Wales, also played on the hallowed turf of Twickenham.
Recent Springboks-Wales Clash
The most recent encounter between these rugby powerhouses was a record-breaking victory for the Springboks during a Rugby World Cup warm-up in Cardiff last August. The South Africans delivered a dominant 52-16 performance, showcasing their world-class form.
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This marks the second consecutive year the Springboks play a test match on the neutral ground of Twickenham. Last year, their devastating 35-7 demolition of the All Blacks set the tone for their victorious campaign in France.
A Packed 2024 Springboks Schedule
Following the Twickenham showdown, the Springboks face a demanding two-match home series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban. A historic first test against Portugal in Bloemfontein completes the incoming series.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind consecutive World Cup victories, expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenge: “We are thrilled to return to Twickenham in what will mark our first Test since the Rugby World Cup final in France,” said Erasmus.
“The atmosphere and occasion were truly remarkable…and we are expecting a very similar experience in June.”
Formidable Wales
Erasmus acknowledges that despite recent Six Nations losses, Wales will be formidable in Twickenham: “The Six Nations is an extremely competitive series…they’ll come out guns blazing. We have seen in the last few years what a force Wales can be.”
A New Era Underway
With his new coaching staff by his side, Erasmus is confident in their preparation for the season ahead. “Everyone has been hard at work analysing the opposition… we cannot wait to start the season,” he proclaimed.
Springbok 2024 Fixtures
Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
16/17 November: England v SA (Twickenham, London – date TBC)
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