Springboks out to avoid a Brighton repeat as they take on Japan in tour-opener at Wembley

In his 99th Test match, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead the world champions on the field against Japan in their opening year-end tour match at Wembley (6.10pm kick-off) on Saturday.

The first of the five-Test tour is a key chance for the Boks to build momentum and strengthen their grip on the No 1 spot in the world following success in the Rugby Championship. A strong start against Japan will set the tone for tougher Tests to come against France and Ireland, as the Boks look to solidify their dominance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw in December.

That draw could determine a favourable group for the tournament in Australia in two years.

It’s been just over a decade since the Japanese beat the Boks in 2015 in Brighton during the World Cup and Kolisi and his men will want to avoid another defeat on English soil. They’ve selected a near full-strength side for this duel and should be too powerful for the Brave Blossoms.

However, Kolisi and his teammates will guard against complacency and thinking that the duel in London will be a walk in the park.

The match will provide South Africa with a crucial opportunity to build momentum at the start of a demanding five-Test tour that includes clashes against France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales. This fixture will be about establishing early rhythm and sharpening combinations, particularly with new faces such as debutant prop Zachary Porthen coming into the fold.

The replay of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France next weekend in Paris will be what the world champions work towards on Saturday evening. But if they look too far ahead and disregard their opponents, the Japanese might pull off a shock victory. Starting the European tour with a loss will immediately put the Boks on the backfoot.

While they won’t have the full backing of a South African stadium, there should still be plenty of expats from around England eager to cheer on the Boks. They’ve had excellent support during their Rugby Championship victory over Argentina at Twickenham just over a month ago and will again bank on that extra voice in the stands to get them over the line against Japan.

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