With three strong wins already under their belt, the Springboks are cruising into their 2025 season.
But before they dive into defending their Rugby Championship title, there’s one more hurdle to clear—and it’s not just about the scoreboard.
This Saturday, South Africa will take on Georgia at Mbombela Stadium in what’s shaping up to be a final dress rehearsal for coach Rassie Erasmus and his squad.
Georgia Game Offers One Last Chance to Tinker
This upcoming clash isn’t just another match—it’s Rassie Erasmus’ last opportunity to tweak, test, and try before the intensity of the Rugby Championship kicks off.
Whether it’s fine-tuning tactical plays or trialling fresh combinations, expect Erasmus to be watching closely.
There’s also a good chance we’ll see some fresh faces earn their first Test caps.
Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouché are among the names being whispered as potential debutants.
And on the flip side, familiar faces like Siya Kolisi could make their return to action after working through injuries.
Kick-Off Time and Match Details
The Springboks will face Georgia at Mbombela Stadium, and the match is set to start at 17:10.
It’s the final prep game before the team goes into tournament mode, so all eyes will be on how the squad shapes up—both physically and tactically.
Break, Then the Real Work Begins
Once the final whistle blows in Mbombela, the Springbok squad will get a brief breather. But it won’t be long before the next chapter begins.
A reduced squad of 35 players is expected to be named shortly after, signaling the official start of the Rugby Championship build-up.
Erasmus Pleased With Progress So Far
Speaking after the Springboks’ dominant 45-0 win over Italy last weekend, Erasmus was upbeat.
“We’re fairly happy,” he said. “We kept it tight against the Barbarians in tough, wet conditions and still managed to put 50 points on the board.
Then we followed it up with 42 last week and 45 this time around.”
He also noted how important these early games have been for giving players experience.
“We only conceded 24 points in total against Italy, and a lot of guys have now gotten their first caps.
Hopefully, after Georgia, most of them will have two games under their belt, and we’ll head into the Championship with four wins and a well-balanced squad.”