As it stands, 13 Test matches have already been confirmed for 2025, with six of them set to be played at home. The Boks will host three Incoming Tour Tests, as well as three Rugby Championship matches in South Africa. They will also play three away fixtures in the Rugby Championship, along with four End-of-Year Tour Tests.

Erasmus revealed that they are in the final stages of adding two more matches to the schedule.

“We’re hoping to play 15 matches. I think we’ve almost confirmed all of them – maybe not the venues yet, but yes, it’s going to be a tough season. Just look at our draw,” said Erasmus.

Cobus Reinach. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think this will only be the second time in history that we’ve played 15 matches in a season. If I’m correct, there were 17 matches in 2007, so it’ll be the first time in a long while. And I think we need that.”

Speaking about the squads he has assembled for the alignment camps, Erasmus reiterated the importance of building depth while remaining competitive and successful, to ensure a favourable draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“We still want to filter and shift players, giving a lot of them opportunities – while still winning. I know I wouldn’t be sitting here if we were chopping and changing without getting results.

Qan Horn. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Our country is proud, and we want to win. It’s great to have one eye on the future, and we plan to rotate players at the right moments.

“Looking at the squad we’ve assembled, we’re considering all options in every position. It’s crucial that when the World Cup draw happens at the end of this year, we are well-ranked. The pool system for the World Cup is a bit different.

“If you put players in pressure-cooker situations two years out from the World Cup, you learn a lot about them.”

The Springboks will kick off their season on 5 July against Italy at Loftus Versfeld.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg