By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-11-07 12:50:14 | Updated at 2024-11-07 16:10:37
3 hours ago
South Africa have arrived in the northern hemisphere with a huge target on their back as current world champions.
It is unfortunate that the Springboks will not be tackling Ireland again this November in the Autumn Nations Series after such a pulsating two-Test tour in the summer that ended in a thrilling draw. Fans are crying out for a decider.
Nevertheless, games against Scotland, England and Wales will have Boks fans licking their lips, especially the game against England who will be out for revenge after the heartbreak of last year’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
Full fixtures
(All times GMT)
Sunday, November 10
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, 4.10pm GMT (6.10pm in SA)
Saturday, November 16
- England v South Africa, Twickenham, 5.40pm (7.40pm in SA)
Saturday, November 23
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, 5.40pm (7.40pm in SA)
What TV channel are matches on?
All games will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
What is the latest South Africa news?
South Africa have called up lock Jean Kleyn as an injury replacement for second row Ruan Nortje, who has been ruled out of their Autumn Internationals tour with a leg injury suffered in training.
On Friday, Rassie Erasmus will on name his team to face Scotland in Sunday’s series opener at Murrayfield.
Kleyn was a World Cup winner with the Springboks last year but has missed most of 2024 with injury and has not played for the national side since that triumph over New Zealand in Paris.
“It’s sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he’s had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad,” Springbok coach Erasmus said.
”(Kleyn has) played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he’s based in Ireland, so he should slot in with ease.”
Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert and RG Snyman are the other locks in the squad.
The Springboks also meet England on November 16 and Wales a week later.
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom, Jasper Wiese
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie
What are our predictions?
Scotland v South Africa: The last time these two teams met was at the 2023 World Cup in the group stages when the Springboks ran out 18-3 winners. The Scots resisted for 40 minutes but eventually succumbed to the Boks’ power game and it’s hard not to see a repeat result at Murrayfield.
Predicted score: Scotland 8 South Africa 20
England v South Africa: France may argue differently, but at the top of the rugby table two teams currently stand above the rest – Ireland and South Africa. The Boks are world class from 1 to 15 and even home advantage is unlikely to be enough for England to stop the Springbok juggernaut.
Predicted score: England 15 South Africa 21
Wales v South Africa: Warren Gatland’s men are a team in transition and you have to fear the worst, even at a raucous Principality Stadium. Wales actually faced the Springboks in the summer at Twickenham, ahead of their unsuccessful tour to Australia, and were roundly thrashed 41-13. Wales will hope that Scotland and England knock enough lumps out of the Boks to make this game competitive.
Predicted score: Wales 9 South Africa 33
