As rugby fans count down the days to the return of the Rugby Championship, all eyes are on Johannesburg where Ellis Park will host the Springboks’ opening game against Australia on Saturday, 16 August.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, and it promises to be more than just another match—it marks a historic milestone for one of South Africa’s most iconic stadiums.
Ellis Park Set to Break Springbok Hosting Record
Ellis Park is about to take the crown as the most-used venue for Springbok Tests, officially surpassing Cape Town’s Newlands Stadium.
Both stadiums currently stand tied at 54 Test matches each.
The upcoming clash against the Wallabies will mark Ellis Park’s 55th Test, nudging it ahead in the history books.
The stadium last hosted a Springbok game on 31 August 2024, when South Africa edged out New Zealand in a thrilling 31-27 victory.
Remembering Newlands, the Once-Mighty Icon
While Ellis Park continues to make history, Newlands has closed its chapter, having last seen the Boks play there in June 2018.
That final match ended in a 25-10 loss to England, witnessed by just over 33,000 fans.
Despite its closure, Newlands remains a cherished part of South Africa’s rugby heritage.
In case you’re curious, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria ranks third with 42 Springbok Tests to its name.
And if you’re looking for a fun rugby trivia fact: Twickenham in London holds the record for hosting the most Springbok Tests outside South Africa, with 29 matches played there.
A Legacy of Springbok Victories at Ellis Park
Ellis Park isn’t just a stadium with a lot of matches under its belt—it’s a fortress for the Springboks.
Out of the 54 Tests played there so far, South Africa has won 38, lost 14, and drawn 2, giving the venue a win rate of over 70%.
Some legendary moments happened on this field—like the unforgettable 1995 Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 15-12.
Dominance Over the Wallabies on This Ground
The Springboks have an incredible record against Australia at Ellis Park, winning 10 out of 11 Tests.
The only slip-up came way back in 1963. Since then, it’s been all green and gold dominance, including a crushing 53-8 win in 2008 and a strong 35-17 performance in 2019.
2025 Rugby Championship Fixtures: What’s Ahead for the Boks
Here’s what the Springboks’ Rugby Championship journey looks like this year:
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16 August: South Africa vs Australia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:10
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23 August: South Africa vs Australia – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
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6 September: New Zealand vs South Africa – Eden Park, Auckland – 09:05
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13 September: New Zealand vs South Africa – Sky Stadium, Wellington – 09:05
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27 September: South Africa vs Argentina – Kings Park, Durban – 17:10
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4 October: Argentina vs South Africa – Twickenham, London – 15:00
That means fans across South Africa and abroad will have plenty to cheer for—whether they’re in Joburg, Cape Town, Durban, or watching from the UK.
Let’s Hear From You: Which Stadium Is the Best?
With Ellis Park taking the top spot in Springbok match history, we want to know what you think: Which stadium is your favorite place to watch rugby in South Africa?