Australia Set to Face South Africa in 2024 Rugby Championship Opener
- The Rugby Championship kicks off with a historic match between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.
- This long-standing rivalry in rugby union is anticipated by fans from both nations.
- Expectations are high for a thrilling and competitive game as both teams vie for early supremacy in the tournament.
The 2024 Rugby Championship kicks off with a highly anticipated match as Australia takes on reigning world champions South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. New head coach Joe Schmidt leads the Wallabies into this tournament following a series of mixed performances, including wins against Wales and Georgia. The clash against the established Springboks is expected to be a significant challenge, testing Australia’s readiness against one of the world’s top teams. South Africa, under coach Rassie Erasmus, aims to carry their World Cup success into the Rugby Championship. Despite their victories in 2019 and 2023, the Springboks have struggled in this competition, securing only three wins since 2000. Both teams are introducing uncapped players, with South Africa adding three new faces after a recent drawn series with Ireland, while Australia welcomes four newcomers, adding an element of intrigue to the match. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 AM BST on Saturday, August 10, with UK viewers able to watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, starting at 5:30 AM BST. For those without a Sky subscription, a NOWTV Day Pass is available for purchase. Australia will debut flanker Carlo Tizzano, stepping in due to injuries to key players. Luke Reimer may also make his debut from the bench. Schmidt’s side is showing signs of improvement, but the match against South Africa will be a true test of their progress under new management.