As the Springboks continue their triumphant journey through 2024, Rassie Erasmus and his world-class squad are gearing up for a challenging tour in Europe, facing off against Scotland, England, and Wales over the next month. We assess the difficulty levels of each opponent as the Boks look to maintain their momentum.
Scotland at Murrayfield on 10 November
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Captain: Sione Tuipulotu
Player to Watch: Blair Kinghorn
Difficulty Rating: 6/10
The first challenge comes from the Brave Hearts of Scotland, a team that has historically struggled against South Africa, losing 23 of their 28 encounters since 1906. The last victory for Scotland over the Boks dates back 14 years, and recent performances do little to suggest a shift in this trend.
After facing lower-tier nations in July, Scotland has not encountered top-tier competition since finishing fourth in the Six Nations earlier this year. They will face a tough Fijian team just a week before the Boks arrive, but the caliber of South African rugby presents a stark contrast that may be too much for the Scots.
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a convincing 18-3 win for the Boks during the pool stages of last year’s World Cup in Marseille.
Verdict: South Africa is expected to secure a comfortable win on November 10, despite the presence of talented players like Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham, and Rory Darge.
England at Twickenham on 16 November
Coach: Steve Borthwick
Captain: Jamie George
Player to Watch: Tommy Freeman
Difficulty Rating: 7/10
Next up, the Boks will face their toughest test of the tour against England at Twickenham. Under Steve Borthwick, the English side has experienced a turbulent coaching period but remains a formidable opponent. After narrow defeats in two Tests against New Zealand earlier this year, the Roses will seek redemption against the All Blacks and Wallabies in the lead-up to their clash with the Springboks.
Finishing third in the Six Nations, England currently ranks fifth in the world. A victory against the back-to-back World Cup champions could be just the confidence boost they need to re-establish themselves as serious contenders for the Six Nations title.
Recent history favors the Boks, who have won three of the last four encounters, including a nail-biting 16-15 victory in last year’s World Cup semi-final.
Verdict: While England will challenge South Africa at the scrum and lineout, the Boks, if performing at their peak, should prove too powerful for their hosts.
Springbok Touring Squad
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (c), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie.
As the Springboks embark on this challenging European tour, their resilience and skill will be put to the ultimate test against some of rugby’s toughest competitors.
