Match News and Current Form
The Springboks racked up a seventh successive win in their second test against the Italians last time out, winning 45-0 to put their critics from the first game to bed, in what was a display littered with inventive tactics such as intentionally forcing a scrum from kick-off and conducting line outs in open play! They now wrap up their preparation for the upcoming Rugby Championship with yet another experimental side named by coach Rassie Erasmus, which is headlined by debuts for all front rowers as Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Neethling Fouche all make their first appearance in the green and gold.
There is plenty of experience elsewhere to guide them along, as regular captain Siya Kolisi returns at flank alongside veterans Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, while the backline will be martialed by the returning Damian de Allende who makes his 89th appearance.
Georgia will see this game as a chance to make another splash in world rugby, as they’re fast becoming one of the most highly rated second-tier rugby nations. They were on a six-game winning streak prior to running into Ireland two weeks ago, a game they lost 34-5 but were very competitive in the first-half. They already got a taste of South African opposition, after playing a friendly against local franchise the Cheetahs last week, going down 24-20 in Bloemfontein.
Head-to-Head History
Only twice before have these teams met, once in the 2003 Rugby World Cup when South Africa won 46-19, and again in 2021 when the Springboks ran out 40-9 winners.
Hot Stats and Streaks
• South Africa scored more of their points before half-time in seven of their last eight games.
• South Africa has scored 42+ points in five of their last seven home matches.
• Georgia have scored the games first points in five of their last eight fixtures.
• The second-half has been higher scoring in six of Georgia’s last eight matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Aphelele Fassi scored his first international try against Georgia in 2021, so he’ll be looking to repeat the memory and cross the whitewash again. Georgia will be looking to their speedster Shalva Aptsiauri for inspiration, after he dotted down for a brace against the Cheetahs last time out.
South Africa hardly have any selection problems, but they will be without Jasper Wiese for the next four matches after his red card last week, while Georgia have a full compliment to choose from.
Betting Analysis
The Georgian forwards are powerful and will be keen on stepping up to the South Africans, hence the Springboks may look to use their illusive backline talent, and since a backline player has scored the first try in six of South Africa’s last eight matches, taking that bet again here could be a wise move.