How to Win Tickets to the Springboks vs Wallabies Rugby Championship Opener
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says his side is primed for a challenging Castle Lager Rugby Championship. The competition kicks off on Saturday, 16 August. The Boks will face Australia at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. He emphasised the value of their two-week training camp, highlighting that it ensures the coaches, players, and management team are fully aligned ahead of the competition.
The defending champions lifted the prestigious trophy last year for the first time since 2019. They won all but one match – a narrow one-point loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero. This season, the team is determined to defend their title. They aim to also hold on to the Freedom Cup against New Zealand and the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate against Australia.
Packed Fixture List Ahead
The Boks will open their campaign with back-to-back Tests against the Wallabies in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Then they will travel to New Zealand for consecutive clashes against the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington. The tournament will then move to Durban for a showdown with Argentina. It will conclude in London against Los Pumas.
Erasmus acknowledged the strength of their opponents. He noted that Australia’s recent victory over the British & Irish Lions proved they are capable of delivering high-intensity performances. He added that the Rugby Championship brings a different level of physicality and tactical sharpness compared to earlier fixtures this year.
Building Momentum
South Africa heads into the tournament on a four-match winning streak. This follows victories against the Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia. Erasmus explained that they will have had eight weeks of preparation by the time they take the field against Australia. This gives the team a solid platform for the competition.
Although the training camp wasn’t initially planned, he said it has proved crucial. This is not only for strategy and conditioning but also for assessing player fitness and medical readiness. He also revealed the inclusion of rising stars Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead. These players recently helped the Junior Boks win the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time since 2012. While these youngsters are unlikely to feature in Test matches this year, their exposure to the senior setup will help build depth for the future.
How to Win Tickets for the Springboks vs Wallabies
Fans have the chance to secure tickets to the highly anticipated clash between the Springboks and the Wallabies at Ellis Park on Saturday, 16 August.
To enter, simply answer the question: Where are the Springboks playing on Saturday, 16 August?
Email your answer to [email protected] by Wednesday, 13 August, at 4pm. Winners will be announced on Thursday.
Castle Lager Rugby Championship Match Schedule
16 August: SA v Australia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg (17:10)
23 August: SA v Australia – DHL Stadium, Cape Town (17:10)
6 September: New Zealand v SA – Eden Park, Auckland (09:05)
13 September: New Zealand v SA – Sky Stadium, Wellington (09:05)
27 September: SA v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban (17:10)
4 October: Argentina v SA – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London (15:00)
Tickets for all matches are available from Ticketmaster.
Don’t Miss Out on the Action
With the Springboks chasing another Rugby Championship crown and the Wallabies eager to upset the defending champions on home soil, this Ellis Park encounter promises to be an electrifying contest. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, it’s a match that will set the tone for the Boks’ campaign.
Related article: Springboks vs Wallabies: Wallabies Confident Ahead of Ellis Park Clash
