The focus of South African rugby is currently on the domestic team’s success in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, but this will soon move to the Springboks’ preparations for their title defense at the World Cup.
Some alignment and preparation camps are anticipated to occur in the near future, while the Rugby Championship will begin in July with a single round of matches.
Prior to finalizing the 33-man squad that will travel to France for the World Cup, the Springboks have already scheduled many high-profile World Cup warm-up matches.
It’s still early, but if you’re wondering when the Springboks will next play, here are some important dates to put in your calendar.
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SPRINGBOKS COMPETITIONS FOR THE 2023 Rugby Championship:
Springboks versus. Australia, 8 July (Venue and time TBC)
Springboks against. New Zealand, 15 July (Venue and time TBC)
Springboks against. Argentina, 29 July (Venue and time TBC)
World Cup preparations:
✈ 5 August: Springboks against Argentina (Vélez Stadium, Buenos Aires)
✈ 19 August: Springboks vs Wales (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
On August 25, Springboks take on New Zealand (Twickenham Stadium, London)
Rugby world championship:
South Africa vs. Scotland (10 September, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)
September 17: South Africa versus Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)
September 23: South Africa versus Ireland (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)
South Africa vs. Tonga (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille) on October 1.
In other news, there is optimism that Springboks tight end RG Snyman is making excellent progress in his rehabilitation from injury.
Snyman has been in only four games for Munster over the past two years, and he has not featured for the Springboks since helping them win the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
The big lock suffered knee injuries and burns in a campfire accident in June 2021, delaying his return even further.
Snyman is currently recovering from a second cruciate knee injury after suffering a setback earlier in the season, although he participated in light training with the Irish club this week.
It is understood that Munster are optimistic that Snyman will return for the second half of the season, and there is every possibility that he will be available for Springboks selection prior to the beginning of the Rugby Championship.
He will have limited opportunity to build a claim for World Cup selection, but there is little doubt that he remains on the Springboks’ radar given that, when fit and in form, he is one of the most brilliant locks in world rugby.
Jean Kleyn, a fellow South African-born lock, recently praised the character exhibited by 27-year-old Snyman.
Kleyn stated, “I actually cannot commend the man more.” “He has through two years of hell in terms of his injuries, family deaths, and being away from home during all of this.
“I believe it speaks much about his character that he continues to come in every day with a bright smile on his face and is constantly engaged. He has been attending meetings for the past two years despite knowing he is six to eight months behind schedule — obviously, this was six to eight months ago.
“There is not a single player on the club who is not thrilled to have him back in training and on the field. He fit in quite well from the beginning, and he is an incredibly likable individual.
“His tenacity is incredible. I’ve never encountered a man who has endured more and retained a more optimistic outlook. It is astounding. If I were in the same situation, I would have thrown in the towel.
“Nothing appears to be able to keep him down for an extended period. He is an exceptional individual. Everyone is looking forward to seeing him back on the field. Today, he participated in the warm-up and displayed a few skills, demonstrating that he is merely an athlete. He is a 6′ 10″ and 135 kg athlete, which is frightening. Therefore, we are all looking forward to his participation once again. He will be a tremendous asset to the squad.”
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