While the Springboks have wobbled at times in 2025 (including a shock 38-22 defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in the Rugby Championship opener), the year thus far can still be considered a resounding success. The team has only lost two matches and defended its Rugby championship crown, with a notable achievement of thrashing the All Blacks in Wellington by a record margin of 43-10.
However, coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi would be the first to admit that the team isn’t yet where it needs to be, and more consistency is required in the Springboks’ quest to maintain international rugby supremacy. Things won’t get easier on the traditional end-of-year tour, as it faces off against 4 Six Nations teams and a plucky Japan, notes coach Rassie Erasmus.
“Japan have beaten us before, Italy put up a good fight against us earlier this year in Pretoria, and Wales beat Japan, proving that they are again on an upward trajectory, so it’s going to be a challenging tour. We have delivered a few good performances but also a few disappointing ones this season, so this will be a good opportunity to test ourselves and see if we can build consistency from week to week. That said, it is going to take a massive effort, and we are excited about the tour.”
Springbok tour squad for November:
Forwards
Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg , Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Players on standby:
Forwards
Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs
Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian De Klerk
Check out our preview of the tour:
Japan vs South Africa
1 November 2025
Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-off: 18:10
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Preview:
While Japan is always limited by their relative lack of size compared to rugby’s big guns, the “Brave Blossoms” are also a massive threat due to their fast, skilful and inventive play. The Springboks will be fully aware of the threat that Japan poses owing to its shock 2015 World Cup win in Brighton, a memory that still agonises Springbok supporters. Japan coach Eddie Jones is also the man who engineered the team’s win in 2015 and will be hoping for a repeat perfomance. The Boks will most likely aim to impose their physical superiority, thereby nullifying any potential Japan threat. If the team takes this match lightly, though, then the match could be much tighter than expected.
Prediction: Springboks to win by 20 points.
France v South Africa
8 November 2025
Stade de France Paris
Kick-off: 22:10
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Preview:
France will seek a semblance of revenge against the Springboks, having been knocked out 29-29 by the South Africans in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals. Under the coaching wiles of former scrumhalf Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus have consistently been one of the top teams in international rugby over the last few years, with their success driven by athletic, dynamic backs, powerful forwards, and a creative game plan. For the Springboks, this is a major test of composure and adaptability in hostile territory, and a win would underline their status at the top of world rugby.
Prediction: France to win by 3 points.
Italy v South Africa
15 November 2025
Allianz Stadium (Turin), Turin
Kick-off: 14:40
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Preview:
Italy has improved markedly since its 96-17 blowout against the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the Azzurri having been more competitive in the Six Nations and achieving three wins and one draw over the last two years of the competition. This improvement, under coach Gonzalo Quesada, has been built on better grit in defence and at the breakdown, while its young backs have shown flashes of promise. For the Boks, the challenge is to avoid complacency and ensure they dominate across the park. Italy should test the Green and Gold, especially in the 1st half, but will likely fade in the 2nd half as it finds the set-piece strength and power of the Springboks challenge too hard to handle.
Prediction: South Africa to win by 15 points.
Ireland v South Africa
22 November 2025
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 19:40
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Preview:
This could possibly be the headline fixture of the tour — a true showdown between two of the game’s top powers. While Ireland continues to disappoint at World Cups, the men from the Emerald Isle also remain one of the premier forces in world rugby, consistently placing in the top 3 of World Rugby’s world rankings.
Coached by former England international Andy Farrell, Ireland's greatest strength is precise and probing play, with the team operating like a well-oiled machine in terms of its attack, defence and kicking game. There is a perception that the Irish tend to fade away when confronted with overwhelming physical aggression, and the Springboks will seek to exploit any cracks in this regard. A desperation to win in Ireland for the first time since 2012 may tip the scales in favour of Rassie’s team.
Prediction: South Africa to win by 5 points.
Wales v South Africa
29 November 2025
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17:10
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Preview:
Wales have endured a torrid time since losing to Argentina in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, winning only 1 match against Japan and losing a record 18 matches in a row. While some signs of improvement have been shown in recent matches, The Dragons will not be expected to beat the Springboks. However, considering the country’s rich rugby history and tradition, new coach Steve Tandy will aim for the team to be competitive and even threaten a win if the South Africans are complacent at all. For the Springboks, the focus will be to control the tempo, dominate physical collisions, and expose Wales’ limited options in attack.
Prediction: South Africa to win by 25 points.
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