Rugby Championship 2025 Guide: Springbok Selections and Key Fixtures

With Australia wrapping up their British and Irish Lions tour this weekend, the rest of the southern hemisphere heavyweights—South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina—have already locked in their preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 Rugby Championship. The competition officially gets under way on 16 August. The Springboks face Australia in Johannesburg.

As defending champions, the Springboks aim to claim back-to-back titles for the first time in the competition’s history. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has assembled a strong and familiar group, eager to keep the green and gold on top.

Aiming for Title Number Six

South Africa has lifted the Rugby Championship (formerly known as the Tri-Nations) trophy just five times: in 1998, 2004, 2009, 2019, and most recently, 2024. In comparison, New Zealand has dominated with 20 titles. Australia sits on four. Argentina, meanwhile, are still chasing their maiden crown.

Training is already under way in Johannesburg. The Boks are sharpening up for their opening clash against the Wallabies at Emirates Airline Park.

Rassie’s Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth

The Springbok squad features 37 players, including 24 World Cup winners. This underlines the experience in the camp. However, there’s also a fresh edge to the group. Five new faces have stepped into the fold for the first time this year: utility back Ethan Hooker, props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Boan Venter, hooker Marnus van der Merwe, and versatile forward Cobus Wiese.

Adding to the development angle, three Junior Springboks—Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead—have been invited to train with the senior squad over the next fortnight. This move is likely aimed at future-proofing the national team.

Key Absentees and Standby Options

Bath-based prop Thomas du Toit is currently observing a two-week rest period as agreed with his English club but remains available should the Boks need reinforcement. Meanwhile, Jasper Wiese is sidelined due to a four-week suspension.

Several senior players are on standby as injury or form contingencies arise. Among them are Lukhanyo Am, who is recovering from a knee issue; scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, winger Makazole Mapimpi, and forwards Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Neethling Fouché, and Vincent Tshituka.

So far in 2025, the Springboks have recorded wins against the Barbarians, Italy (twice), and Georgia. These victories are building momentum ahead of the championship.

Full Springbok Squad for the Australia Clashes

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morné van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse

Key Fixtures to Watch

The Springboks play four of their six matches at home this year, starting and ending their campaign on familiar soil. Notably, they’ll travel to New Zealand for back-to-back games in September. This period could prove decisive in their title defense.

Fixtures:

• 16 August – South Africa vs Australia (Johannesburg)
• 23 August – South Africa vs Australia (Cape Town)
• 6 September – New Zealand vs South Africa (Auckland)
• 13 September – New Zealand vs South Africa (Wellington)
• 27 September – South Africa vs Argentina (Durban)
• 4 October – Argentina vs South Africa (London)

Eyes on the Prize

With a stacked squad and solid form leading into the tournament, the Springboks look well-positioned to challenge for their sixth Southern Hemisphere crown. However, with the All Blacks always dangerous and Australia eager to bounce back from Lions duty, the road ahead will demand sharp execution and resilience.

South Africans will be watching closely as Erasmus and his charges seek to create history with back-to-back Rugby Championship triumphs.

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