1
Nations Cup a definite one-off as Scotland confirm November 2021 Springboks, Wallabies dates
By Online Editors
Confirmation that the Autumn Nations Cup will be a short-lived, one-off event has come via Scotland where the SRU have announced plans for a November 2021 three-match ticket package that will include matches against the world champion Springboks and Australia.
Test rugby in the northern hemisphere since the post-lockdown restart has taken placed behind closed doors, a pattern that will change this weekend when Twickenham will welcome 2,000 fans to Sunday's Nations Cup decider featuring England and France.
The other playoff matches, however, will take place behind closed doors at Murrayfield, Aviva Stadium and Parc y Scarlets due to the ongoing restrictions in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
However, having already submitted plans to potentially host upwards of 25,000 fans at each of their home Six Nations games against Wales, Scotland and Ireland, the Scottish Rugby Union are now pressing ahead with its launch this Friday of three-match tickets packs for eleven months' time when the Boks, the Wallabies and one yet unnamed team will fare Gregor Townsend's side.
Townsend, who this Saturday takes Scotland to Ireland for a third-place playoff, said: "The Autumn Nations Cup has been a great way for international rugby to resume in these difficult times. Fans, players and coaches will be looking forward to next year when Scotland face southern hemisphere opposition in Australia and the current world champions South Africa at Murrayfield.
“The Autumn internationals in 2021 will be another opportunity for our players to represent their country, hopefully with our fans in attendance, and provides the team with a different challenge and exciting challenge as a result."
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus added: “Scotland have established themselves as a very tough and difficult side to beat. Our last meeting two years ago went down to the wire and they will definitely be another huge threat, especially playing at home in front of a passionate Scottish crowd.
“Next year’s Tests will be the first time in three years the Springboks return to Europe, where the intense rivalry against tough opponents in different weather conditions will make for some very interesting Test match battles.” The Boks are set to play the Scots on November 13 as one of three internationals in Europe, with the other matches scheduled for November 6 and 20.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
4
Fissler Confidential: Willie le Roux rumours ignite after Bok star spo
5
Latest Comments
Well said TJ. You can be proud of your AB career and your passion for the country, the AB team and Canes and Wellington has always been unquestioned. Enjoy the new chapter(s).
Go to commentsAgree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to comments