The Springboks face a challenging end-of-year tour in Europe as part of the Autumn Nations Series, with tough matches against France and Ireland.

The Springboks, who won the Rugby Championship last year for the first time since 2019, will play France on 8 November, a rematch of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

They will also face Italy on 15 November. Italy has shown significant growth recently, particularly at the club level in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

A highly anticipated clash against Ireland is scheduled for 22 November. This will be a repeat of their Rugby World Cup pool match, also played in France. The two teams last met in a two-match series in South Africa last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Springboks will conclude their tour against Wales on 29 November. Wales has not won a match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following a string of poor results, Wales recently parted ways with coach Warren Gatland and appointed Matt Sherratt as his replacement.

These matches present a stern test for the Springboks, especially those against France and Ireland, considering their World Cup performances. There has been some debate about the top team in the world, with some suggesting Ireland, who lost to New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals, were playing the best rugby at the time.

Ireland and New Zealand will also meet in a rematch during the Autumn Nations Series, which opens on 1 November at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Last year, the Springboks enjoyed a successful Autumn Nations Series tour, winning all three of their matches against Scotland, Wales, and England for the first time since 2013.