South Africa will arrive in the northern hemisphere with a huge target on their back as current world champions.
It is unfortunate that the Springboks will not be tackling Ireland again this November in the Autumn Nations Series after such a pulsating two-Test tour in the summer that ended in a thrilling draw. Fans are crying out for a decider.
Nevertheless, games against Scotland, England and Wales will have Boks fans licking their lips, especially the game against England who will be out for revenge after the heartbreak of last year’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
Full fixtures
(All times GMT)
Sunday, November 10
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, 4.10pm GMT (6.10pm in SA)
Saturday, November 16
Saturday, November 23
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, 5.40pm (7.40pm in SA)
What TV channel are matches on?
All games will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
What is the latest South Africa news?
The Springboks have included four fit-again World Cup winners in their squad.
Utility back Damian Willemse, former Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen, plus locks Franco Mostert and RG Snyman have all recovered from injuries to gain places in a 34-strong squad.
There are, though, five absentees because of injury issues, with knee problems sidelining Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Salmaan Moerat, while Steven Kitshoff misses out because of neck trouble and Lood de Jager has a shoulder injury.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has also called up Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw after utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels was ruled out by an ankle injury.
The squad, captained by Siya Kolisi, will have a training camp in Jersey as part of preparations to tackle Scotland on November 10, then England six days later and Wales on November 23.
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse
What are the latest odds?
TBC
What are our predictions?
Scotland v South Africa: The last time these two teams met was at the 2023 World Cup in the group stages when the Springboks ran out 18-3 winners. The Scots resisted for 40 minutes but eventually succumbed to the Boks’ power game and it’s hard not to see a repeat result at Murrayfield.
Predicted score: Scotland 8 South Africa 20
England v South Africa: France may argue differently, but at the top of the rugby table two teams currently stand above the rest – Ireland and South Africa. The Boks are world class from 1 to 15 and even home advantage is unlikely to be enough for England to stop the Springbok juggernaut.
Predicted score: England 15 South Africa 21
Wales v South Africa: Warren Gatland’s men are a team in transition and you have to fear the worst, even at a raucous Principality Stadium. Wales actually faced the Springboks in the summer at Twickenham, ahead of their unsuccessful tour to Australia, and were roundly thrashed 41-13. Wales will hope that Scotland and England knock enough lumps out of the Boks to make this game competitive.
Predicted score: Wales 9 South Africa 33