Boks, All Blacks to clash in USA?

The world champion Springboks will reportedly face the All Blacks in four Tests next year for the first time since 1996.

According to Sunday news outlet Rapport, three of those matches will be played in South Africa as part of the ‘Greatest Rugby Rivalry’ tour, with a fourth overseas, possibly in London or the US. 

The expanded series means the Boks will play only one Rugby Championship match each against Australia and Argentina in a shortened tournament.

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The last time the Boks faced the All Blacks in more than three Tests was in 1996, when Sean Fitzpatrick’s side won a historic 2-1 series in South Africa following the Tri-Nations. 

Next year, New Zealand will reportedly play eight matches in the Republic, including four against URC teams and one against SA A.

Meanwhile, SARU has confirmed the Boks will return to the Eastern Cape this year, with Gqeberha hosting the second Test of the Incoming Series against Italy on 12 July.

The Rugby Championship home fixtures for Rassie Erasmus’ men will see them face Australia at Ellis Park (16 August) and Cape Town (23 August), with additional Tests against Georgia in Mbombela (19 July) and Argentina in Durban (27 September).

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter