The Springboks, reigning back-to-back world champions, are poised for a highly-anticipated return to the field following their triumphant World Cup final appearance last year. This return is scheduled at the iconic Twickenham Stadium in London, where they will face Wales in a test match on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
The backdrop of Twickenham is steeped in history for the Springboks. They won their 2015 World Cup quarter-final at the stadium, when they defeated Wales 23-19.
Their last encounter with Wales, a warm-up match for the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff last August, saw the Springboks achieve a record-breaking 52-16 victory, surpassing their previous best margin against the Welsh from 2007.
This upcoming match in London will mark the second consecutive year that the Springboks have competed at a neutral ground, following their historic 35-7 rout of the All Blacks at Twickenham in their final warm-up match before the World Cup last year. This victory, witnessed by a fervent crowd of over 80,000, underscored the Springboks’ dominance on the global stage.
The start of a demanding year for the Springboks
The London Test is a precursor to a demanding schedule, featuring a two-match series against Ireland in Pretoria and Durban, followed by a historic first test against Portugal in Bloemfontein. This series of matches is pivotal for the Springboks as they gear up for the 2024 season, aiming to maintain their stature in international rugby.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, the architect behind the team’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, expressed his excitement about returning to Twickenham. He highlighted the significance of the match against Wales, noting the memorable 2015 World Cup quarter-final and the strong support from the expatriate community in London. Erasmus anticipates a vibrant atmosphere similar to last year’s encounter with the All Blacks, contributing to the anticipation of this match.
Wales, coming off their Six Nations campaign, will present a formidable challenge. Their recent performances, despite narrow losses, demonstrate their competitive edge, making this encounter an ideal litmus test for the Springboks as they prepare for the series against Ireland. The close historical contests between the two sides underscore the significance of this match-up as both teams look to assert their dominance.
Erasmus and his coaching team have been meticulously preparing and analysing the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, as they embark on a new journey towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. With four months of preparation ahead, the Springboks are committed to refining their strategies and systems, ensuring they remain at the pinnacle of world rugby.
