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Venue confirmed for historic first ever Test between Springboks and Portugal
By Grant Constable
Following on from a two-Test series against Ireland in early July, the Springboks will face Portugal in a once off, historic clash that is the first ever meeting between the two sides.
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions will be expecting a competitive challenge from Portugal when they return to the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein for the first time since their narrow 13-12 defeat against Wales in 2022.
Saturday, 20 July will be the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series and after a tough series with Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on 6 and 13 July respectively, fans will be looking forward to seeing what the team that beat RWC quarter-finalists Fiji can produce.
The Springboks will then face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in two Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 31 August and 7 September respectively, before lining up against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday 28 September.
“We are delighted that we will be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match, and we are determined to continue make our passionate supporters proud,” said SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.
“With the venue now confirmed we can go full steam ahead with our planning for the home Tests from an operational perspective.
“There’s no doubt it has added to the excitement for the season ahead, especially after capping off the 2023 season by defending the Rugby World Cup title.”
The Springboks’ home Test schedule for 2024 is:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
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The game was changing too much with teams trying to role the dice drawing fouls. Would be better if scrums and the adjudicating problems were resolved but this is a good immediate fix.
Go to commentsLike many here I am encouraged by this post. Our forwards are where the real rewards and improvements must come from. With a 50/50 pack against any opposition, our backs could ensure more than 50% of the games will be won. We need Valetini at 6 and Cale at 8 to make the most or a good tight 5, McWright will add to the effectiveness of the pack BUT must get a very good tight 5 out there first.
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