The highly anticipated 2025 Rugby Championship opener between South Africa and Australia is set for August 16, 2025. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as the Springboks aim to continue their dominance after defeating the Wallabies twice in last year’s tournament. However, recent performances suggest that Australia, under the guidance of coach Joe Schmidt, is on the rise and ready to challenge.
The match will take place at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, where South Africa boasts an impressive record of 10 wins against Australia at this venue, with their only loss dating back to 1963. This added pressure for the Wallabies could play a significant role in the match’s outcome.
Fans can catch the action live at various streaming platforms depending on their location. The match kicks off at 11:10 a.m. ET (8:10 a.m. PT, 4:10 p.m. BST, and 1:10 a.m. AEST on August 17).
Where to Watch South Africa vs Australia
For viewers in the United States, the match will be available on FloRugby, with a subscription costing $29.99 per month or $150 per year. Fans traveling abroad can still access the stream using a VPN service like NordVPN to appear as if they are in the U.S.
In Canada, fans can tune in to TSN Plus, which provides access to a range of sports for $8 per month or $80 per year. VPN options are also available for Canadians traveling outside the country.
In the United Kingdom, the match will air on Sky Sports Action. Subscribers can also watch it through the Sky Go app on mobile devices. For those looking for flexibility without a long-term contract, a NOW Sports membership starts at £14.99 per month.
Australian viewers can enjoy the match ad-free in 4K on Stan Sport, which costs AU$20 per month in addition to a basic Stan subscription starting at AU$12 per month. Those outside Australia can use a VPN to access their usual subscription.
New Zealand fans can watch the match on Sky Sport 1, with live streaming available via Sky Sport Now. Subscription options include $29.99 per week, $54.99 per month, or $549.99 per year.
Lastly, South African viewers can catch the game on SuperSport, available through a DStv access package starting at R99 per month. Those outside the country can also utilize a VPN to watch the match.
Team Insights and Expectations
Leading up to this championship encounter, South Africa has maintained a steady performance, securing victories against teams like Italy and Georgia in their recent matches. On the other hand, Australia has faced a challenging series against the Lions, but their resilience was evident as they nearly pulled off a surprise victory despite being underdogs and dealing with numerous injuries.
Two pivotal players to watch are Nic White, who is coming off a strong performance, and Manie Libbok, known for his dynamic playing style. Australia’s lineup will miss key players, including Rob Valetini and Noah Lolesio, but they will rely on the experience of players like James O’Connor to step up in critical moments.
As the countdown to the match begins, rugby fans around the world are preparing for what promises to be an electrifying start to the 2025 Rugby Championship.
