The world champion Springboks will have another major title in their sights in just 50 days when the inaugural Nations Championship kicks off with a blockbuster clash against England at Ellis Park.
The biennial tournament launches on 4 July, bringing together the world’s 12 leading nations.
For the Boks, the journey begins with a mouthwatering clash against England at Ellis Park, followed by Tests against Scotland in Pretoria and Wales in Durban.
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“The countdown is on and the southern hemisphere teams are excited at the prospect of hosting the first series of matches in July,” said Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris.
“The inaugural fixture, and first international rugby match at the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch between New Zealand and France, will ignite three Super Saturdays of action.
“4 July will see action spread across major world cities as Australia host Ireland in Sydney, South Africa host England in Johannesburg, Argentina host Scotland in Cordoba, and Japan host Italy in Tokyo, while Fiji will play Wales in Cardiff.
“This is a feast of top-level rugby for sports fans around the world with 18 matches making up the southern series in July.”
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Rassie Erasmus’ men will then head north in November to face Italy, France and Ireland before the tournament concludes with a finals weekend in London.
Every match will carry points and direct consequences, replacing the traditional July and November windows with a single competition where every Test matters.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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