South Africa vs Wales: July Nations Championship Test

South Africa enter the Nations Championship clash against Wales on the back of two wins from two matches. The Springboks have already dispatched England and Scotland in this fledgling competition. Their next test comes at Kings Park, Durban, where they aim to keep the perfect record intact while weathering a reshuffled lineup from Rassie Erasmus.

Wales have shown improvement over the past fortnight, bouncing back from a loss to Argentina after victories over Italy and Fiji. Coach Steve Tandy knows his side faces a steep challenge and is pondering whether a surprise is possible against a formidable South African side. The Welsh squad has been freshened up, with several new faces making the step up to the starting XV.

When and Where?

The match kicks off at 4.40 pm BST on Saturday 18 July at Kings Park Stadium in Durban. This marks the third fixture of the July international window for both teams. The venue will be full of atmosphere as the two nations collide in the inaugural Nations Championship.

How to Watch

viewers in the United Kingdom can catch the game live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4.15 pm BST. An online stream is also available via ITVX for those who prefer digital platforms. Fans outside the UK will need to check local broadcasters for rights information.

South Africa Squad

Rassie Erasmus has introduced four uncapped players to the side, highlighting his willingness to blend experience with fresh talent. The most notable new face is 20‑year‑old fly‑half Vusi Moyo, who will operate alongside debutant wing Jaco Williams. Tight‑head prop Carlu Sadie, who has impressed with Bordeaux Bègles, and lock Ruben van Heerden from Montpellier add further Top 14 depth.

The starting XV is led by Pieter‑Steph du Toit, who captains in Siya Kolisi’s absence. The back‑row also features Paul de Villiers at six and Jasper Wiese at eight, while Cobus Reinach controls the scrum‑half duties. The final line‑up reads: 1 Gerhard Steenekamp, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Carlu Sadie; 4 Cobus Wiese, 5 Ruben van Heerden; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit (c), 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Vusi Moyo; 11 Kurt‑Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Jaco Williams, 15 Aphelele Fassi.

Bench options include Andre‑Hugo Venter, Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, Ben‑Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Herschel Jantjies, Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse.

Wales Squad

Captain Dewi Lake returns after a fitness scare, anchoring the Welsh pack alongside Teddy Williams and Adam Beard in the second row. Flanker Alex Mann rejoins the flank opposite Jac Morgan, while a new midfield pairing of Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn replaces Joe Hawkins and Eddie James.

The starting XV features Rhys Carre at prop, Dillon Lewis at hooker, and Louis Rees‑Zammit on the wing, with Blair Murray as full‑back. The back‑row is completed by Alex Mann, Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright, while Tomos Williams and Dan Edwards form the half‑back duet. Wales line up as: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 3 Dillon Lewis; 4 Teddy Williams, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Alex Mann, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Louis Rees‑Zammit, 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Ben Warren, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 James Botham, 22 Reuben Morgan‑Williams, 23 Joe Hawkins.

What to Watch

The clash will test South Africa’s depth as they rotate personnel, offering a glimpse of emerging talent against a Wales side eager to prove its new blend works. Both coaches are likely to rely on experienced leaders—Du Toit and Lake—to steer their teams through the physical challenge. Expect a hard‑fought contest where tactical adjustments could decide the outcome of the Nations Championship.