The Springboks made the perfect start to the Nations Championship as they cruised to a resounding win over England to kick off their 2026 season in style. This next Nations Championship match between the Springboks and Scotland will kick off at 17:40 (SA time).
The Springboks scored three tries in surging into a 17-0 lead over England after just 12 minutes but led by only three points at halftime as the visitors took control of the second quarter. South Africa also had to overcome the late withdrawal of captain Siya Kolisi (hamstring) and Eben Etzebeth (head knock) on the eve of the match, but ultimately managed to power to a seven-try to three, 45-21 victory.
"We have a saying 'it will come to us' [blooding players]. We believe in that – that it will come to us – but certainly we have to make big calls in this year to be 100 percent sure when we go into the World Cup next year that we’ve tested our depth, and today destiny took charge of that and it worked out the right way," Rassie Erasmus commented. \
"It’s not a nice thing to lose two players who sit to either side of me (as the captain and the most capped player on the team photo) but you have to make the best of it. \
"The average age of the team with them in it was 31 and after the other boys came in the average age was 27 and you must see the positives in that. Paul will certainly learn from that experience and so will Cameron (Hanekom) and Pietie (Pieter-Steph du Toit) being captain and playing four lock which he hasn’t played for a long time, so we’re happy." \
Erasmus, the Springboks coach, said that Ox Nche (knee) was likely to miss Saturday’s match against Scotland after coming off in the early stages of the game, while Etzebeth and Kolisi would be monitored. Andre Etserhuizen, who was replaced following a blow to the neck in a tackle, would also be assessed.
Rassie Erasmus is the Springboks head coach, who took over the role in 2024. He is known for his innovative tactics and emphasis on developing the team's depth. The Springboks are currently ranked as the number one team in the world after winning the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Tickets for the Test are still available – CLICK HERE.
Loftus Versfeld is a multi-use stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, with a seating capacity of over 51,000. It is one of the largest stadiums in the country and has hosted several international rugby matches, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks have had a remarkable record in recent years, winning the 2025 Rugby World Cup and the 2023 Rugby Championship. They are known for their aggressive playing style and strong team cohesion.
The Nations Championship is a new international rugby competition that brings together the top teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The competition is seen as a warm-up for the Rugby World Cup and provides an opportunity for teams to test their strength and depth before the main tournament.
The Springboks will play Scotland in their second match of the Nations Championship, and the match is expected to be a closely contested battle. Scotland has a strong team and has been preparing for this match for several weeks.
The match will be played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa, and tickets are still available. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support their team.
Erasmus has emphasized the importance of getting the team right for the World Cup, saying, "We have to make big calls in this year to be 100 percent sure when we go into the World Cup next year that we’ve tested our depth." \
The Springboks have a long history of producing talented rugby players, and Erasmus is confident that the team can continue to produce top-class players in the future. He said, "We believe in that – that it will come to us – but certainly we have to make big calls in this year to be 100 percent sure when we go into the World Cup next year that we’ve tested our depth." \
The Nations Championship is a new competition that brings together the top teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The competition is seen as a warm-up for the Rugby World Cup and provides an opportunity for teams to test their strength and depth before the main tournament.
The Springboks will play Scotland in their second match of the Nations Championship. The match is expected to be a closely contested battle.
Erasmus has emphasized the importance of getting the team right for the World Cup, saying, "We have to make big calls in this year to be 100 percent sure when we go into the World Cup next year that we’ve tested our depth." \
The Springboks have a long history of producing talented rugby players, and Erasmus is confident that the team can continue to produce top-class players in the future.
Tickets for the Test are still available – CLICK HERE.
Rassie Erasmus is the Springboks head coach. He has a reputation for being innovative and emphasizing the importance of developing the team's depth.