The Springboks will face Argentina in Johannesburg in their final match on home soil before the build-up to their World Cup defence starts.

In August, the Boks will travel to Argentina to take on the Pumas before facing Wales and the All Blacks in Rugby World Cup warm-up matches in Cardiff and London in the final build-up to the global showpiece in France, which kicks off on the second weekend in September.

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They will return to South Africa to wrap up their campaign against the Pumas at Ellis Park in Johannesburg two weeks later, on July 29.

This will mark the first time since 2016 that the Boks host Australia in Pretoria, and the first time since 2013 that they take on Argentina in in Johannesburg, with South Africa having won both those fixtures, by 18-10 and 73-13 respectively.

The away match against Argentina is scheduled for August 5 before they take on Wales at the Principality Stadium on August 19 and a second test against New Zealand at Twickenham on August 25.

South Africa will launch their Rugby World Cup title defence on September 10, against Scotland in Marseille, which will be followed by pool matches against Romania in Bordeaux (September 17), Ireland in Paris (September 23) and Tonga in Marseille (October 1).

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“Loftus Versfeld and Emirates Airline Park are iconic stadiums, and we thoroughly enjoy the fanatic support from the home crowds at these venues, so we are thrilled to start off what is a vital season for the team at these stadiums,” said Nienaber.

“These Rugby Championship matches are going to be crucial as we look to get our World Cup season off to a good start and playing against New Zealand away and Australia and Argentina on the highveld will be ideal for our preparation.

“All three sides will enter the international spectacle in France among a handful of teams that will be considered potential contenders for the title, so we are expecting a thorough test throughout the campaign.”

Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus added that the match against the Pumas in Argentina ties in nicely with their World Cup preparations.

“Playing against Argentina in South America is unique as they have a very passionate home crowd that brings the best out of their team, so that environment will serve as good preparation for our team with an eye on the Rugby World Cup, especially after getting a taste of the atmosphere we can expect at the international extravaganza in our match against France in Marseille last November.”

Springbok 2023 fixtures:

Rugby Championship:

Saturday, July 8 – Springboks vs Australia (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, July 17 – Springboks vs New Zealand (venue TBC)

Saturday, July 29 – Springboks vs Argentina (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

RWC warm-up fixtures:

Saturday, August 5 – Springboks v Argentina (venue TBC)

Saturday, August 19 – Springboks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)

Friday, August 25 – SA vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London)

RWC pool fixtures:

Sunday, September 10 – Springboks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)

Sunday, September 17 – Springboks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Saturday, September 23 – Springboks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)

Sunday, October 1 – Springboks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)

Weekend of October 14/15 – Quarter-finals

Weekend of October 21/22 – Semi-finals

Saturday, October 28 – Final