Boks to play 15 Tests, Baabaas in 2025
03/05/2025 06:46 AM
The world champion Springboks are looking to add two more Tests to their 2025 schedule and will also face the Barbarians in June.
While details on the additional matches remain undisclosed, Rassie Erasmus revealed in a Bok conference on Wednesday he has requested 15 Tests, ensuring players are in camp for 137 days.
The Boks will open their season against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on 5 July, before facing them again in Gqeberha a week later. A clash with Georgia in Nelspruit follows on 19 July.
The Boks will then take on the Barbarians on 28 June before defending their Rugby Championship title, starting with two home Tests against Australia in Johannesburg (16 August) and Cape Town (23 August). Back-to-back fixtures in New Zealand (6 and 13 September) precede a home Test against Argentina in Durban (27 September) and a Twickenham rematch with the Pumas (4 October).
"We are hoping for 15 matches, and they should be confirmed soon," Erasmus said. "We have a tough season, but we need that. We still want to filter players and give others opportunities."
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The Bok coach is balancing long-term planning with the need to stay competitive, knowing some players may not make it to 2027. "We can't plan a guy's career just around a World Cup. If he is the best in his position, it would be unfair not to pick him," Erasmus said. "That's why we want 15 (Tests) – to give other guys a chance."
Venues for three of the Boks' year-end Tests have been confirmed, with Erasmus' men set to face France at Stade de France in Paris (8 November), Italy at Allianz Stadium in Turin (22 November), and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (29 November). The location of their fourth Test, against Wales, is yet to be announced but is pencilled in to be played in Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will be 34 this year and 36 by the next World Cup, remains central to Erasmus' plans. "If a guy is 34 to 36 and injury-free, as long as he's number one in his position, he will stay captain," he said.
"If Siya is fit and healthy, I don't think there will be a change this year."
Erasmus also welcomed the return of Felix Jones, who rejoined the Boks after a brief stint with England. "We never wanted to lose Felix, he went home for his family. It didn't work out for whatever reason there," he said. "His rugby brain and work ethic will be used in all departments."
2025 Springbok schedule:
28 Jun: Barbarians, TBC
5 Jul: Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 Jul: Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 Jul: Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 Aug: Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 Aug: Australia, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
6 Sep: New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland
13 Sep: New Zealand, Sky Stadium, Wellington
27 Sep: Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
4 Oct: Argentina at Twickenham, London
8 Nov: France, Stade de France, Paris
15 Nov: Italy, Allianz Stadium, Turin
22 Nov: Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
29 Nov: Wales, Cardiff
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
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