As the rugby world looks forward to an exhilarating 2024 campaign, the Springboks, double Rugby World Cup champions, are gearing up to renew their storied rivalries with the Wallabies and the All Blacks in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
The announcement of back-to-back matches against Australia in Brisbane and Perth this August promises an electrifying start to the championship for the South African team.
The Springboks’ championship campaign kicks off with a clash against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, 10 August, followed by a second encounter at the Optus Stadium in Perth a week later.
These matches set the stage for what is anticipated to be a gripping series of contests, including two home Tests against the formidable New Zealand team in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and a concluding battle against Argentina in Nelspruit.
Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, expressed his team’s enthusiasm for the upcoming matches, highlighting the anticipation and challenge of facing the Wallabies on Australian soil.
“It’s always tough facing the Wallabies in Australia, and we are well aware of the challenge that awaits us,” Erasmus stated, underscoring the significance of these fixtures in the broader context of their season.
The Springboks have a mixed history in their recent encounters in Australia, with their last visit to Brisbane in 2021 ending in a 30-17 defeat. However, the upcoming matches, especially the team’s first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, offer an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase their world champion pedigree.
Joe Schmidt, the newly-appointed head coach of the Wallabies, emphasized the importance of hosting the World Champion Springboks, marking it as a “massive win for all Rugby supporters and sports fans in Australia.” This sentiment echoes the anticipation and excitement that these matches generate among fans and players alike.
Before diving into the Rugby Championship, the Springboks have a packed schedule, including a two-Test series against Ireland and a historic match against Portugal, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive and memorable rugby season. With rivalries renewed and the stage set for epic showdowns, the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship is poised to captivate rugby fans around the globe.
