Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024 Summer Internationals
Once-Off Test Match
South Africa vs Portugal
Free State Stadium
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Referee: Hollie Davidson
Saturday, 20 July 2024
Kick-off is at 17h00
South Africa will go head to head with Portugal in a
once-off test match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa on 20 July.
Current Form
South Africa succumbed to a 25-24 defeat to Ireland in their second test match which was played at the Kings Park Stadium on 13 July.
The defeat ended the Springboks' six-match unbeaten run across all competitions having registered six consecutive victories before losing to Ireland.
Portugal, on the other hand, secured a 37-22 victory over Namibia in a once-off test match at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium (Windhoek) on 13 July.
It was the Os Lobos (The Wolves)'s second win in their last three matches across all competitions including a defeat to Georgia before losing to defeating Namibia.
Team News
Salmaan Moerat will take over the Springbok captaincy for the first time when he leads a squad featuring seven uncapped players in a first Test with Portugal.
The uncapped players in the starting lineup are Phepsi Buthelezi (flanker), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop).
While Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Ruan Venter (loose forward), Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf) and Quan Horn (fullback) could be in line to make their Test debuts from the replacements’ bench.
Meanwhile, Portugal's game against Namibia marked Francisco Fernandes' 50th cap for the national team and his experience could be key for the Wolves as they face the World champions.
Quotes
“They proved that they could compete successfully against some of the top teams in the world and we believe they will lift their game even more this weekend given the magnitude of facing the Springboks," Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said about facing Portugal.
“This occasion will really excite them, and they’ll certainly give everything to make a statement for the Tier Two nations, so we have to deliver a top-quality performance to get a result.
“This match is also an opportunity for us to work on what went wrong last week and finish the Castle Lager Incoming Series on a high note, so we will treat them and the occasion with the respect it deserves.
“There are no easy games in Test rugby, and for us personally, it’s important to live up to our standards and build momentum going into the Castle Lager Rugby Championship."
Head-to-Head
South Africa and Portugal will meet for the first time across all competitions.
Teams for the second test match
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Substitutes: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Ruan Venter,20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn
Portugal: Yet to be announced.
Bet on the Boks with Betway
Place a Match Result bet on the Springboks from 20 June to 28 September and if they go up by 7 points, get paid out as a winner, up to R7,000 cash, even if the Boks lose. You'll also be entered to win epic exclusive prizes such as match tickets and jerseys.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.