Australia Rugby opens the 2025 Rugby Championship with the toughest assignment possible — back-to-back matches in South Africa, starting Aug. 16 at Ellis Park against the No. 1-ranked Springboks.
The Wallabies arrive in Johannesburg fresh from a three-test series with the British and Irish Lions, which ended in a 22-12 win after dropping the first two matches. Outgoing head coach Joe Schmidt has lifted the squad from its 2023 Rugby World Cup struggles, with star lock Will Skelton returning from injury and rugby league convert Joseph Sua’ali’i making his Championship debut.
Schmidt’s side still is in a rebuilding phase. Depth remains a concern, particularly at fly-half, but Bendon notes Schmidt’s set-piece power plays could trouble even elite defenses.
“From set-pieces, no coach in professional rugby draws up plays that unpick defenses better than Joe Schmidt,” Bendon said.
South Africa Rugby The Team To Beat In Rugby Championship
South Africa, meanwhile, begins its title defense with an experienced group — 18 Rugby World Cup winners in the match-day squad. Captain Siya Kolisi will start at No. 8 for the first time, while record cap-holder Eben Etzebeth partners Lood de Jager at lock. Wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe join fullback Aphelele Fassi in a back three selected to counter Australia’s pace.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has presided over a 14-2 record since returning in 2024 and is widely considered one of the sport’s best tacticians. “They’ve got so much talent coming through all the time… they can keep going for as long as they stay well-organized and well-structured with a coach like Rassie in charge,” Bendon said.
Ellis Park has been an imposing venue for Australia, with South Africa unbeaten there in six matches against the Wallabies. The Springboks hold a 52-40-3 overall record in the rivalry and will aim for a fifth straight win, their longest streak in over 50 years.
South Africa vs. Australia Rugby Kickoff Time For Round 1 Of Rugby Championship
The first match of the Rugby Championship is at 11:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 16. The match is at Emirates Airline Park, also known as Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
How To Stream Springboks vs. Wallabies
Every match of the 2025 Rugby Championship is streaming live in the United States on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Match replays, highlights and breaking news will be on both platforms.
South Africa Rugby Lineup vs. Australia
What a way to start the week! Check out the #Springboks team to face Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday 🔥#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 11, 2025South Africa Starting XVOx NcheMalcolm MarxWilco LouwEben EtzebethLood de JagerMarco van StadenPieter-Steph du ToitSiya Kolisi (C)Grant WilliamsManie LibbokKurt-Lee ArendseAndre EsterhuizenJesse KrielEdwill van der MerweAphelele FassiReplacements16. Bongi Mbonambi17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye19. Franco Mostert20. Kwagga Smith21. Cobus Reinach22. Canan Moodie23. Damian WillemseAustralia Rugby Lineup vs. South Africa
Your Match Day 23 for the first Test of the @flightcentreau Rugby Championship 🦘
NEXT MATCH
🆚 Springboks
🗓️ Sunday August 17 | 1:10am AEST
🏟️ Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
📺 @stansportau#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/jHt6JOmn82
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 14, 2025Australia Rugby Starting XVJames SlipperBilly PollardTaniela TupouNick FrostWill SkeltonTom HooperFraser McReightHarry Wilson (C)Nic WhiteJames O’ConnorDylan PietschLen IkitauJoseph-Aukuso SuaaliiMax JorgensenTom WrightReplacements16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa17. Angus Bell18. Zane Nonggorr19. Jeremy Williams20. Langi Gleeson21. Nick Champion de Crespigny22. Tate McDermott23. Andrew KellawayWhat To Watch For In South Africa vs. Australia Round 1
Australia’s challenge will be matching South Africa’s physicality at the breakdown and in the set piece while finding ways to stretch the Springboks’ defense. For Schmidt’s group, stealing a win in Johannesburg would be a major step toward a top-two finish in the Championship.
Kickoff for South Africa vs. Australia is set for Aug. 16 at Ellis Park, now known as Emirates Airlines Park, in Johannesburg. Stream the match live by subscribing to FloRugby and get the latest news, scores and highlights on FloRugby.com and the FloSports app.
The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Sept. 6
Sept. 13
Sept. 27
Oct. 4
How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025
In the United States, rugby fans can watch 2025 The Rugby Championship on FloRugby and the FloSports App.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.
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