Confirmed: Upcoming Springbok game to be shown 'live' on SABC
It's now been confirmed that both SuperSport and SABC will air a 'live' broadcast of the Springboks' second Test against Italy on 12 July at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, commemorating 30 years since the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 1995.
Although this announcement will certainly be celebrated by SABC viewers, it remains to be seen whether this will be a one-off affair, or indeed open the doors for more Springbok games to be shown on the national broadcaster in the future.
The Springboks will get their international season under way against Italy at Loftus this Saturday. The match will kick off at 17:10, and will be broadcast only on SuperSport.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Springbok record against Italy:
Played 16; Won 15; Lost 1; Points for: 764, Points against: 195; Tries scored 102, Tries conceded 16; Highest score 101-0; Biggest win 101 points. Win % 94%.
Miscellaneous: The Boks have played Italy seven times in South Africa, but this will be the first Test between the sides at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, where the hosts have a 78% win record (32 wins from 41 Tests).
Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok to 132 caps when he takes the field.
Damian Willemse will play his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 12-11.
Should Willie le Roux take the field, it will mark his 99 th Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013.
Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. The Springboks have faced Italy 16 times and won 15 of those matches. Their only defeat was in Florence in 2016 where Italy pipped the Boks by 20-18.
In the 15 matches the Springboks have won against Italy, they only scored fewer than 30 points on three occasions.
The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 738 .
. There are 351 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 466 caps.
caps in the backline, with caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further caps. The average caps per player in the backline is 50, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 58.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
33 minutes ago
- The South African
Captain to captain: Siya Kolisi gives Jesse Kriel seal of approval
Siya Kolisi has proverbially handed the Springbok captain reigns over to his colleague Jesse Kriel in a sweet social media post. The 34-year-old was ruled out of the Bok's upcoming match against Italy due to another physical niggle. Jesse stepped up into the leader role in a game against the Barbarians in Cape Town last weekend. In a sweet Instagram snap, Siya Kolisi showed love to Jesse Kriel, who would take up position as Springbok captain this weekend. The rugby squad will play Italy at Loftus in their first test match of the year. In the post, Siya posted a clip of an embrace with Jesse following the 2023 Rugby World Cup win. Another image shows the duo bonding over a traditional Xhosa meal spent with elders. 'Sikhokhele' [Lead us], Siya captioned the post. In the comments, Jesse Kriel, who is fluent in Xhosa, responded: 'I love you, bra.' Siya Kolisi's show of affection to Jesse Kriel mirrors that of his father Fezakele, who did the same during the Eastern Cape leg of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour in 2023. During the stop, Kriel and fellow Springbok Deon Fourie visited the Zwide township, the home of Siya. Siya's father, the spitting image of his rugby player son, was there to greet them. The elderly man greeted Jesse and Deon with hugs and kisses and even jokingly placed the trophy on his head. Siya is also known for his playful and affectionate personality towards his colleagues. Take a look… View this post on Instagram A post shared by Springboks (@bokrugby) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Baby Boks triumph over England in thrilling World U20 Championship match
Junior Springbok scrumhalf Haashim Pead feeds one of the scrums against Australia. He was a constant thorn in the flesh of England on Friday night as the Baby Boks beat the defending champions 32-22. The Junior Springboks started slowly in their World Rugby U2O Championship pool match against champions England in Rovigo, Italy on Friday night, before eventually settling into their stride and running out 32-22 winners. The South African youngsters had no answers to an early England onslaught that yielded two tries, the first from fullback Josh Bellamy, who converted his own try, and the second from Connor Treacey (14-0). But SA hit back with a spectacular score from the hot-stepping Cheswell Jooste, who burst through the England defensive line after a set move in midfield, and blew past a number of defenders to score. Jooste was a menace whenever he touched the ball. Flyhalf Vusi Moyo kicked the conversion to make the score 12-7. The Baby Boks were suddenly full of running, with scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who was pulling strings for SA at scrumhalf, starting and finishing an attacking move down the right wing for SA's second try. England were then gifted a try off a South African mistake close to their try line (19-12). More silky touches and pace to burn by the SA backs put fullback Gilermo Mentoe over for the third SA try. Centre Cupido showed great vision and timing in the pass. Moyo landed the conversion to draw SA level (19-19).
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Durban teens honoured to represent South Africa at World Gymnastics Champs
The five Durban gymnasts who represented South Africa in Bulgaria. Abigail Smulders - Danville Park Girl's High School, Riley Gouws - Our Lady of Fatima, Hanna Chengiah - Eden College Durban, Naluthando Mbelu - Maris Stella, and Thandolwethu Mthiyane - Durban Girl's High School. Image: Raelen Chengiah THEY left as teammates and returned as sisters. Five Durban teenagers arrived back in South Africa this week after competing at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in Bulgaria, a trip they say brought them pride, perspective, and lifelong friendships. Abigail Smulders, Riley Gouws, Hanna Faith Chengiah, Naluthando Mbelu, and Thandolwethu Mthiyane, all aged 14, represented South Africa at one of the sport's biggest international events for juniors. While they didn't return with medals, they say the experience was unforgettable, and one they'll carry into their future as gymnasts and young women. Speaking to the Independent on Saturday, the girls reflected on the excitement of walking into the arena in their South African colours, performing in front of a global audience, and soaking up every moment of their time in Sofia. Just hours after returning home, Hanna Chengiah, from Eden College Durban, was already back in the gym preparing for the SA Gym Games in October, where she has previously claimed top honours. She competed in Bulgaria despite injuries to her back and shin splints in both legs. 'I learnt that there's always more to learn,' she said, impressed by the high standard of teams from around the world. A personal highlight for Hanna was meeting Bulgarian star Stiliana Nikolova, one of her role models in the sport. Abigail Smulders, from Danville Park Girls' High School, said the lead-up to the competition was intense, with the girls spending every spare moment rehearsing their routines, while also fitting in schoolwork. 'My favourite part was the day after we competed, watching the finals. The top eight gymnasts in each apparatus were just incredible to see,' she said. 'Another highlight was exploring the city with the team. I'm so grateful I got to share it with such an amazing group of girls. They feel like sisters to me now.' Riley Gouws, from Our Lady of Fatima, said they trained up to 16 hours a week before leaving for Bulgaria. The hard work was demanding, but it paid off in team spirit and friendship. 'We all got really close. I've made friends I'll keep for life,' she said. 'One thing I've taken from this is that you need the right mindset to compete. If you don't believe in yourself, you won't perform your best.' Thandolwethu Mthiyane, from Durban Girls' High School, was struck by how warmly South Africans are viewed in Bulgaria. She said it was an honour to represent the country abroad, but staying focused in a high-pressure environment was a challenge. 'There were so many distractions. You have to block everything else out and just remember why you're there. Once you've finished your routine, that's when you can take it all in.' Naluthando Mbelu, from Maris Stella School, known as the 'mom' of the group and said their club routine was especially well received. 'The crowd loved it. We got so much applause,' she said. 'We weren't thinking about the scores, we were just proud to show people what we had prepared, and to represent South Africa.' She also spoke about the financial effort behind getting the team to Europe; which cost about R50 000 for each of them. 'Our parents worked like crazy to try and get us the money to go to Bulgaria.' Their fundraising efforts included raffles, selling goods, donations, and Back-a-Buddy campaign. 'This was my last competition as a junior. I turn 15 this year, so I'll move into the senior level next year. Competing at the Junior World Championships for a second time was just incredible,'Naluthando said.
