Boks and Banyana Banyana aim to thrill fans

THE Springbok men’s and women's teams, along with Banyana Banyana, will carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders this weekend.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN and HERMAN GIBBS

The cream of South Africa's rugby talent will be on show in Gqeberha on Saturday. The men’s side faces Italy in the second Test, while the women ramp up their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a second clash against Canada.

Banyana, meanwhile, will take on Tanzania in their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C fixture in Morocco tonight, with victory likely to secure their passage to the next round of the tournament.

The Springboks are eager to put their best foot forward in front of Test rugby-hungry Eastern Cape supporters, with Saturday marking their first match in Gqeberha since 2018.

Seven years ago, a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium witnessed the Boks run out against Australia. Three years later, the Covid-19 pandemic meant their two clashes with Argentina in the same city were played behind closed doors.

Now, the world champions face Italy at the same venue (kickoff 5.10pm) in a bid to make amends for a subpar display in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld.