The Springboks will host Italy for the first time in over a decade in next year’s July Test series, which could also see Georgia return to South African shores.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the Springboks will play two Test matches against the Azzurri in next’s Incoming Series.
These fixtures will take place while the British & Irish Lions tour Australia, and France lock horns with the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Alongside Italy, a tier-two nation will once again visit South Africa for the third Test of the series. This year it was Portugal, and currently, Georgia is the frontrunner to make the trip in 2025.
In the Rugby Championship, the Springboks will play two home Tests against the Wallabies, two away Tests against the All Blacks, and will face Argentina both at home and away.
The venues for the Boks’ home fixtures are still to be confirmed, with head coach Rassie Erasmus expected to have significant input on where the matches will be held.
While Bok supporters might not be overly enthusiastic about facing Italy, it’s worth noting that the Azzurri are no longer the easy beat they once were and there’s a strong likelihood they will send a full-strength squad to South Africa.
Italy had their best-ever Six Nations campaign this year, finishing fifth. They managed impressive wins over Scotland (31-29) and Wales (24-21), drew with France (13-13), and narrowly lost to England (24-27).
The last time the Boks hosted Italy was on 8 June 2013 in Durban, where South Africa cruised to a 44-10 victory. The Italians have only played two consecutive Tests in South Africa twice before, in 1999 and in 2010.
The most recent encounter between the two sides came in Genoa on 19 November 2022, when the Springboks delivered a commanding 63-21 win over the Italians.
Photo: Roberto Bregani/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
