Springboks set sights high for tough November tour

The Springboks are heading into their five-week European tour with optimism and determination, as head coach Rassie Erasmus and a small group of players and management departed for London on Sunday ahead of next weekend’s opening Test against Japan.

The team is assembling in batches, with the full squad expected to link up in the UK by Monday morning. The Springboks will face a demanding schedule of five Test matches over five consecutive weekends, starting with Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 1 November. The following fixtures include France at Stade de France in Paris (8 November), Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin (15 November), Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (22 November), and Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (29 November). All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Erasmus expressed both excitement and caution as the world champions prepare to take on some of rugby’s most formidable opponents.

“We are excited about the tour and to measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the world,” said Erasmus. “A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes since the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and hopefully this will set us in good standing to build on our season so far.”

He acknowledged that conditions in the UK and Europe will pose challenges, but believes the squad’s experience abroad will be an advantage. “The conditions are vastly different from what we’re used to in South Africa at this time of year, but fortunately many of our players have been exposed to those conditions, either through their United Rugby Championship tours or while playing for overseas clubs. The time zone is also similar, which helps us get back into full Test mode immediately.”

Looking ahead to the opposition, Erasmus warned against underestimating Japan, who stunned South Africa in their famous 2015 Rugby World Cup upset. “Japan have been improving steadily, and we know they’ll come out guns blazing next Saturday,” he said. “France will be fired up after our World Cup quarter-final battle in Paris, and matches against Ireland in Dublin are always incredibly tough. Italy showed great resilience against us in Pretoria earlier this year, and Wales will be eager to test themselves in Cardiff after turning their form around this season.”

Erasmus stressed the importance of consistency and mental strength during the demanding tour. “It won’t be easy, but we have a quality group of players. We know what they can do when we stick to our structures and play to our potential on the day,” he concluded.

The Springboks’ November tour promises to be a thrilling test of depth, discipline, and endurance, and a crucial benchmark as Erasmus continues to shape the team’s journey toward future international success.