The Springbok men and arch-rivals the All Blacks will meet at the iconic Eden Park this Saturday in the third round of the Rugby Championship. This fixture, which is a highlight of the global rugby calendar, kicks off at 09:05 (SA time).
It will be a wonderful way for rugby fans to start their Saturday, and in fact there is also good reason to keep eye on the clash between the Wallabies and Argentina (which kicks off at 06:30 SA time) earlier on Saturday.
In addition to that high-profile action, the high-flying Springbok Women are then in action on Sunday when they will play their final Rugby World Cup pool match against France on 7 September, with kick off at 17:45 (SA time).
This game will decide the winner of Pool D before the Springbok Women then head towards the quarter-finals next weekend (likely to be Saturday, 13 September).
Springbok action galore this weekend
Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin said there was plenty of reason to be proud of the latest pool victory that saw South Africa progress to the Women’s Rugby World Cup playoffs for the first time in history.
“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” said De Bruin.
Meanwhile, Rassie Erasmus said there was some nervous excitement in the Springbok camp.
“Playing against New Zealand in their backyard, and knowing that according to the world rankings, we are currently the top two teams in the world, is special, and we don’t need more motivation than that.
“It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams.”
Erasmus also congratulated the Springbok Women for making history by qualifying for the Rugby World Cup quarter-final for the first time in history following their 29-24 victory against Italy on Sunday.
“I woke up at 02:30 in the morning (in New Zealand) to watch the match, and I’d like to congratulate Swys (de Bruin) and his team for what they achieved, and also SA Rugby for everything they are doing for women’s rugby. We are immensely proud of them, and we wish them luck as they continue their campaign,” he said.
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