Springboks’ 2027 New Zealand Tests Take Shape As Dave Rennie Lets Slip Venues
- The Springboks are set for another major challenge against the All Blacks in 2027, with new details emerging about their highly anticipated New Zealand fixtures
- Dave Rennie has provided an early glimpse into the Springboks’ 2027 Rugby Championship schedule, with the matches carrying added significance before the World Cup
- The upcoming All Blacks clashes could become an important part of the Springboks’ preparations for the 2027 World Cup, with a potential knockout meeting also looming
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All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has disclosed that the Springboks are scheduled to face New Zealand in Auckland and Christchurch during the 2027 Rugby Championship.
The fixtures were not officially announced by New Zealand Rugby as of 2 October 2026, but Rennie provided details during an interview with Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast on 1 October.
As reported by SA Rugby Magazine, Rennie said:
“We play each other twice in July, straight after the Super Rugby final, like two weeks after that final. We play them in Auckland and Christchurch.”
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The comments offer an early indication of where the world champions could begin their 2027 Rugby Championship campaign.
Christchurch return adds another twist
Christchurch would bring a significant change of scenery for the Springboks. South Africa have not played a Test in the city since 2016, meaning a return in 2027 would come after an 11-year gap.
It would also be the Springboks’ first Test at One NZ Stadium, or Te Kaha, Christchurch’s new multi-purpose stadium, which opened in 2025 on the site of the former AMI Stadium.
Auckland would provide a far more familiar setting, with Eden Park expected to host the other Test. However, New Zealand Rugby is yet to officially confirm the venue or the full Rugby Championship schedule.
The Boks’ most recent visit to Eden Park ended in disappointment when the All Blacks claimed a 24-17 victory in 2025. The Auckland fixture could therefore give South Africa another chance to test themselves at one of New Zealand’s most recognised rugby grounds.
For now, the details remain provisional. New Zealand Rugby and SANZAAR still have to formally announce the 2027 Rugby Championship fixtures and venues, meaning the final dates and locations could yet change.
Rennie flags possible World Cup clash
The 2027 meetings could also provide an early preview of a possible Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
The World Cup will be staged in Australia later in 2027, with South Africa and New Zealand potentially meeting in the knockout phase if both teams finish their respective pools in the required positions.
Rennie acknowledged the unusual possibility, saying:
“We're going to play them a lot leading into the World Cup and I think their side may look a tad different, but I think the nucleus will be the same and how they play the game, I think it'll still be pretty similar.”
He added:
“And [we're] likely to meet in a quarter-final if both teams win their pool, which is odd, but the way it is.”
For the Springboks, the two Tests would provide another major examination before their World Cup defence begins.
Springboks star Paul de Villiers speaks after Wallabies defeat
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks star Paul de Villiers opened up about South Africa’s dramatic 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth on 27 September.
The flanker explained what the Springboks took from the difficult Test, with the experience also giving several players valuable exposure to conditions they could face again during the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Source: Briefly News
