The Springboks’ four-match end-of-year tour in November marks the midway point between their World Cup triumph in Paris and their quest for a third consecutive title in Australia. This period represents the most demanding phase of their preparation for 2027. In 2026, the All Blacks will visit South Africa for a three-match test series, the first in a planned six-year cycle meant to develop into rugby’s equivalent of cricket’s Ashes series. A fourth test will be played at a neutral venue, adding to the significance of this rivalry.
However, the real challenge for the Springboks lies in 2025, when they will face two away tests against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. Their two victories over New Zealand in 2023 took place on home soil, making this upcoming test a sterner examination.
REVENGE GAMES AGAINST FRANCE & IRELAND
The Springboks’ November tour will see them face Ireland and France, both of whom defeated them in 2022. They haven’t beaten Ireland away since 2012, and the French are still bitter about their World Cup quarterfinal loss to the Boks. A win against South Africa won’t erase that pain, but it will provide a measure of redemption for France.
While the home fixtures for South Africa in 2025 are expected to be relatively straightforward, with games against Italy and Georgia, these matches will allow head coach Rassie Erasmus to experiment with squad depth. Italy, though improving, have struggled against top-tier opposition, and while their games against South Africa will be hyped, any close contest would be an unexpected achievement.
If Australia manages to defeat the British and Irish Lions, the two tests against the Wallabies might be more intense, but this is unlikely. With Joe Schmidt stepping down as Wallaby coach post-Lions series, Australia may be in transition, reducing their immediate threat to South Africa. Argentina, another familiar opponent, has posed difficulties for the Boks on the road but not in South Africa. Thus, Erasmus may take a flexible approach in these fixtures without much risk.
TOUGH AWAY SCHEDULE AHEAD
The Springboks’ away games against New Zealand, France, and Ireland will be their biggest tests and a vital measuring stick for Erasmus as he builds towards the 2027 World Cup. The Six Nations has revealed that France, while powerful, are not unbeatable. Their loss to England was self-inflicted due to missed opportunities, and while they thrashed Italy, their dominance is not absolute.
Ireland remains a major threat. Their methodical, suffocating playstyle has been highly effective, as seen in their recent wins over Wales, England, and Scotland. The latter match, played at Murrayfield, where Scotland rarely loses, reaffirmed Ireland’s status among the world’s elite. The notion that the “big four” in rugby might be shrinking was put to rest by Ireland’s continued excellence.
Their encounter with South Africa at the AVIVA Stadium will be a major hurdle, as will the preceding clash with France. With expectations now firmly placed on the Boks to remain at the top, Erasmus will see these matches as either confirmation of the team’s trajectory or a crucial reality check. If they manage to win all their away fixtures, their claim as the best team in world rugby will be undisputed.
