The Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies will get underway in the morning of Saturday, 10 August, as Sanzaar confirmed the tournament’s schedule.
This year the Rugby Championship will return to the 12-match mini-tour format following an abbreviated tournament in 2023 due to the World Cup in France.
Each team will play six matches comprising three home matches and three away matches, and will play each team twice. However, each team will host a two-match tour, will play an away two-match tour and a one-match home and away series against the third remaining team.
This year, defending champions New Zealand will play two matches in South Africa and will host Argentina for two matches. Reigning World Champions South Africa will play two matches in Australia after hosting New Zealand, while Australia will play two matches in Argentina.
The Springboks open their Rugby Championship campaign with a mini-tour of Australia, taking on the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth.
According to the official schedule, the Test match in Brisbane on Saturday, 10 August is set to kick off at 6.45am (South Africa time). while the Test in Perth will start at 11.55am on Saturday, 17 August.
The Springboks’ home Test matches against New Zealand in Johannesburg and Cape Town and against Argentina at Mbombela will get underway at 5pm (SA time).
Meanwhile, the away Test against Los Pumas in Santiago will kick off at 11pm.
Springboks’ Rugby Championship schedule (SA time):
Saturday, 10 August: vs Australia, Brisbane (6.45am)
Saturday, 17 August: vs Australia, Perth (11.55am)
Saturday, 31 August: vs New Zealand, Johannesburg (5pm)
Saturday, 7 September: vs New Zealand, Cape Town (5pm)
Saturday, 21 September: vs Argentina, Santiago (11.55pm)
Saturday, 28 September: vs Argentina, Mbombela (5pm)
Full Rugby Championship schedule here
Photo: EPA/DARREN ENGLAND