Toyota Cheetahs
SA Rugby has confirmed that Bloemfontein will host the historic first test match between the two countries in July, as part of what is said would be a thrilling 2024 home test schedule.
The Springboks will play Portugal at the Toyota Stadium on Saturday, 20 July, in the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
SA Rugby says the Springboks can expect a “competitive challenge against Portugal”, who will be buoyed by the defeat of RWC quarter-finalists Fiji in their final pool match in France last year.
“The confirmation of Bloemfontein as the venue for the Test match completes the domestic Test schedule, which begins with a two-Test series against top international rivals Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on 6 and 13 July respectively. This will be followed a week later by the Portugal Test.
“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 to make our passionate supporters proud,” said SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.
He said with the Bloemfontein venue now confirmed, the Springboks can go full steam ahead with planning for the home Tests.
“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.”
Venue confirmed for the #Springboks' historic Test against Portugal in July - more here: https://t.co/bJV1nBFa6o ????????#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/jIXCPelem6
— Springboks (@Springboks) January 26, 2024
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)
