Springboks’ 2023 schedule: Just TWO home Tests – when and where

The Springboks will play only two Tests on home soil in 2023 with Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld the venues chosen to host those matches.

A pair of Rugby Championship Tests will have to suffice for local fans.

The Springboks are scheduled to face the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 8 July as part of the Rugby Championship.

Argentina also visit for a Rugby Championship engagement.

“Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park are iconic stadiums, and we thoroughly enjoy the fanatic support from the home crowds at these venues, so we are thrilled to start off what is a vital season for the team at these stadiums,” Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said in a statement.

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“These Rugby Championship matches are going to be crucial as we look to get our Rugby World Cup season off to a good start and playing against New Zealand away and Australia and Argentina on the highveld will be ideal for our preparation.

“All three sides will enter the international spectacle in France among a handful of teams that will be considered potential contenders for the title, so we are expecting a thorough test throughout the campaign.”

South Africa will play a World Cup warm-up match in Argentina before playing Wales away and the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus was happy with the schedule.

“Playing against Argentina in South America is unique as they have a very passionate home crowd that brings the best out of their team, so that environment will serve as good preparation for our team with an eye on the Rugby World Cup, especially after getting a taste of the atmosphere we can expect at the international extravaganza in our match against France in Marseille last November,” Erasmus said.

SPRINGBOKS 2023 CALENDER:

Rugby Championship:
Saturday, 8 July – Springboks vs Australia (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 15 July – Springboks vs New Zealand (Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland)
Saturday, 29 July – Springboks vs Argentina (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up fixtures:
Saturday, 5 August – Springboks v Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Saturday, 19 August – Springboks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
Friday, 25 August – Springboks vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London)

Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures:
Sunday, 10 September – Springboks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)
Sunday, 17 September – Springboks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)
Saturday, 23 September – Springboks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)
Sunday, 1 October – Springboks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)

Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final