Springboks eye Perth and Europe after thumping the All Blacks

With the All Blacks defeated and a #1 spot regained, what comes next for the Springboks?

South Africa have two more assignments in 2026 as the months count down to next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Here’s what you need to know, as the reigning champions aim to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.

Unfinished business against the Wallabies

On 27 September, South Africa will travel to Perth for a one-off friendly against Australia.

With the Mandela Challenge Plate on the line, the Springboks would want to secure the trophy on their terms.

Australia upset the world champions 38-22 at Ellis Park last year, before South Africa hit back 30-22 at the Cape Town Stadium to retain the plate.

With the Rugby Championship on hold this season, Rassie Erasmus may be looking at the game with long-term vision.

This will be the only meeting between the teams in 2026, with the Nations Championship resuming in November.

The Springboks also play Romania at the same venue in the World Cup, according to the official website, so this could also be a useful “dry run”.

A point to prove against the North

Beyond the Wallabies clash, the Springboks are also looking at making a statement in the inaugural Nations Championship.

South Africa are leading the Southern Hemisphere conference as one of two unbeaten teams in the competition.

New Zealand are second on points difference only, with Australia hanging on to third place after a mixed campaign.

The Springboks’ campaign resumes on 7 November with a clash against Italy in Turin, according to the Nations Championship website.

They will also be tested against France on 13 November in Saint-Denis, and again by Ireland in Dublin on 21 November.

The Nations Championship then wraps up from 27 to 29 November with the final fixtures to determine the overall winner.

Clashes against top-ranked teams will be a good metric for Rassie and his charges.

While the Springboks’ remaining 2026 games do not carry direct World Cup stakes, building depth and momentum are always the endgame.

Fitness, ambition, and a strong bench are arguably more important to the team at this stage.

As the World Cup draws closer, Australia and the Nations Championship could be the launchpad for more Springboks dominance.