Doubling up
South African rugby fans can look forward to a series of Test double-headers in June.
The Springboks will take on Italy, Scotland and Samoa in an unprecedented mini-tournament in Durban, Nelspruit and Pretoria. On each match day, fans will get to see all four teams in action.
The series kicks off at Kings Park on Saturday, June 8 when Samoa take on Scotland in an early dress rehearsal for the 2015 World Cup: both teams are grouped together with the Springboks in the pool stages.
Following that match the Springboks take on Italy the same venue to complete five hours of entertainment.
The fixtures are reversed a week later when Test rugby makes its debut at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, with the Boks meeting Scotland and Samoa and Italy going head-to-head in the early game.
Teams will earn log points and bonus points – as per Super Rugby – over the opening two rounds to determine the final fixtures for Loftus Versfeld.
In the finale, Team 4 will play Team 3 before the top two play off in the final game for the Incoming Series Shield.
Fixtures and ticket prices:
June 8 (Kings Park): Samoa v Scotland; South Africa v Italy (tickets R450 or R160 for scholars)
June 15 (Mbombela Stadium): Samoa v Italy; South Africa v Scotland (R350 and R450)
June 22 (Loftus Versfeld): 4th v 3rd; 2nd v 1st (R350 and R450)
