The Springbok squad departed for London in different groups over the last few days, with the full group set to assemble in the UK on Monday morning to begin preparations for the first November Test against Japan this Saturday.
After tackling the Brave Blossoms at Wembley Stadium, South Africa will then take on France at Stade de France in Paris (8 November), Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin (15 November), Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (22 November), and Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (29 November).
It’s highly likely that Rassie Erasmus will mix and match with some unpredictable selections for the first clash against Japan, although he has reiterated that Japan should not be underestimated.
The Springbok team announcement for the first Test on the end-of-year tour is scheduled for 17:00 (SA time) on Tuesday.
Springboks expect a battle against Japan
Commenting on the upcoming opposition, Erasmus said: “Japan have been improving steadily over the last few years, and they defeated us a few years ago, so we have no doubt they will come out guns blazing next Saturday and throw everything at us.
“The last time we faced France in Paris was in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, and that result will psyche them up going into the match against them. They are also ranked fourth in the world currently, and Ireland third, and we all know how tough matches at the Aviva Stadium are against them.
“Italy, meanwhile, put up a brave fight against us in Pretoria in the Incoming Series, and that will give them confidence going into our match in Turin, and Wales will also be up for the challenge after recovering from a tough few years earlier this season, when we line up against them at the Principality Stadium, so we need to be ready mentally and physically each week to get the desired results.
“It won’t be easy, but we have a quality group of players, and we know what they are capable of doing when we stick to our structures and play to our potential on the day.”
End-of-Year Tour Fixtures
- 1 November – vs Japan, Wembley Stadium, London – 18:10 (SA time)
- 8 November – vs France, Stade de France, Paris, – 22:10 (SA time)
- 15 November – vs Italy, Allianz Stadium, Turin – 14:40 (SA time)
- 22 November – vs Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 19:40 (SA time)
- 29 November – vs Wales, Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 17:10 (SA time)
