The Springboks embark on what promises to be a tough yet thrilling year-end tour, with five Tests packed into November.

Rassie Erasmus’ men will face Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales between 1 and 29 November, and the Bok mentor has already likened the clashes against Les Bleus and Ireland to World Cup playoffs in intensity and stakes.

RASSIE: France, Ireland like RWC playoffs

Japan – 1 November, Wembley Stadium, London

Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms beat Wales 24-19 in Kitakyushu in July – their first win since the 2023 World Cup – before losing 31-22 a week later.

They went on to reach the Pacific Nations Cup final, where they fell short against Fiji, and went down 19-15 to the Wallabies in Tokyo this past weekend.

REPORT: Wallabies pip Brave Blossoms in Tokyo

Japan have lost two of their three Tests against the Boks, but history has shown they’re capable of the extraordinary – none more so than when they stunned South Africa 34-32 at the 2015 World Cup in Brighton.

On paper, the Boks are clear favourites, but early-tour jitters, a neutral venue and Japan’s fast, high-tempo style mean the world champions will need to be switched on from the outset.

READ: Eddie eyes ‘iconic’ Bok shock

Last result: Japan 3 Springboks 26, Tokyo, 2019

France – 8 November, Stade de France, Paris

This will be the first meeting between the sides since their epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris, which the Springboks edged by a single point in one of the great knockout classics.

When France are firing, their mix of pace, offloads and powerful forward play make them a nightmare. However, their attacking edge will be dulled by the absence of key stars – Antoine Dupont remains sidelined as he nears the end of his ACL rehabilitation, Thomas Ramos has withdrawn for personal reasons and winger Gabin Villière is also out injured.

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Even so, Les Bleus at home remain a formidable prospect and a Bok win here would be a major statement.

Last result: France 28 Springboks 29, Paris, 2023

Italy – 15 November, Allianz Stadium, Turin

Italy beat Wales in this year’s Six Nations, before an understrength squad travelled to South Africa in July, losing 42-25 at Loftus Versfeld and 45-0 in Port Elizabeth.

They’ll likely retain the core of that squad, bolstered by several standouts from Benetton, whose URC form continues to turn heads.

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The Boks should dominate physically, but Italy’s backline threats – Tommaso Menoncello, Paolo Garbisi and Ange Capuozzo – have the quality to punish any lapse in concentration.

Last result: Springboks 45 Italy 0, Port Elizabeth, 2025

Ireland – 22 November, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

This is the fiercest northern-hemisphere rivalry of the tour and arguably South Africa’s toughest assignment.

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Ireland at home are ruthless, and the Boks know it well. Though they stumbled in the 2025 Six Nations defeat to France, the Irish remain a well-drilled and intelligent side capable of beating anyone on their day. Their balance across the park – from powerful forwards to sharp, disciplined backs – makes them a complete threat.

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Expect a Test loaded with physicality, precision and needle. The Boks will need to match Ireland’s accuracy and composure to finally break their Dublin hoodoo.

Last result: Springboks 24 Ireland 25, Kings Park, 2024

Wales – 29 November, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Welsh rugby finds itself in one of its most turbulent periods. The Dragons snapped an 18-Test losing streak in July with victory over Japan, a rare bright spot in what has otherwise been a bleak run.

On paper, they’re unlikely to trouble the Springboks, but playing in front of a fiercely partisan Cardiff crowd means this is no formality. After four bruising weeks, fatigue and complacency could become the Boks’ biggest enemies.

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Expect Erasmus to rotate his squad while demanding a ruthless finish to the tour.

Last result: Wales 12 Springboks 45, Cardiff, 2024

PREDICTION: Beaver backs Boks to go unbeaten

Five weeks, five very different challenges.

From the pace of Japan to the power of France, the unpredictability of Italy, the precision of Ireland and the passion of Wales – this tour will reveal plenty about the Springboks’ depth, durability and desire heading into the next World Cup cycle.

MORE: Rassie warns Boks tour won’t be easy

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images