South Africa host Australia in the 2025 Rugby Championship opener starting this Saturday at the iconic Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Springboks have named a strong squad, featuring 18 World Cup winners for the match against the Wallabies. South Africa opened their 2025 rugby season with a 54-7 win over the Barbarians in the UK, followed by Test victories against Italy and Georgia.
In recent meetings, the South Africans have had the upper hand and will now be aiming for a fifth straight win against Australia.
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Meanwhile, Australia come into this clash after a three-Test series draw against the British and Irish Lions. However, they'll be confident after coming back to level the series with a 22-12 win in the final Test.
That said, they now travel to the Rainbow Nation where they have not won a Test since 2010. The Wallabies have also recorded just 10 wins in 48 Tests against the Springboks since 1933. Their last victory in Johannesburg? That came way back in 1963.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff time.
South Africa vs. Australia Rugby live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch the South Africa vs. Australia match from the 2025 Rugby Championship in the United Kingdom:
- TV channel: Sky Sports Action
- Live stream: Sky Sports app, NOW
The 2025 Rugby Championship rugby match between South Africa and Australia is available on live TV on Sky Sports Action in the United Kingdom. Streaming options are available on Sky Sports app and NOW.
What time does South Africa vs. Australia Rugby kick off?
The South Africa vs. Australia Rugby clash takes place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa and kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 5:10 p.m. local time (SAST). This translates to 4:10 p.m. in the UK.
Rugby Championship 2025 schedule
All times BST
Saturday, August 16
- South Africa vs. Australia at Johannesburg (4:10 p.m.)
- Argentina vs. New Zealand at Cordoba (10:10 p.m.)
Saturday, August 23
- South Africa vs. Australia at Cape Town (4:10 p.m.)
- Argentina vs. New Zealand at Buenos Aires (10:10 p.m.)
Saturday, September 6
- Australia vs. Argentina at Townsville (5:30 a.m.)
- New Zealand vs. South Africa at Auckland (8:05 a.m.)
Saturday, September 13
- Australia vs. Argentina at Sydney (5:00 a.m.)
- New Zealand vs. South Africa at Wellington (8:05 a.m.)
Saturday, September 27
- New Zealand vs. Australia at Auckland (6:05 a.m.)
- South Africa vs. Argentina at Durban (4:10 p.m.)
Saturday, October 4
- Australia vs. New Zealand at Perth (10:45 a.m.)
- Argentina vs. South Africa at Twickenham (2:00 p.m.)