The Springboks will take on Georgia in their final Castle Lager Incoming Series match this Saturday, 19 July 2025, at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Springboks vs Georgia teams and kick off time
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 SAST, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.
South African captain Siya Kolisi returns to the national side for the first time this season, expressing excitement about the match atmosphere:
“The vibe at the stadium is amazing, and we know that it will be similar to last week in Gqeberha,” where the Boks beat Italy 45-0.
South Africa has named a mixed lineup of experienced and debuting players. Props Boan Venter and Neethling Fouché, along with hooker Marnus van der Merwe, will earn their first Test caps.
Kolisi defended the selection, saying:
“There is enough experience in the team… we have their backs.”
Georgia has selected a physical, experienced side known for strength in scrums and set pieces.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick noted, “Georgia are a physical team… the key for us is to improve on our standards.”
Springbok starting XV:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Cobus Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, Damian Willemse.
Georgia starting XV:
15 Davit Niniashvili, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Demur Tapladze, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Luka Matkava, 9 Vasil Lobzhandidze, 8 Ilia Spanderashvili, 7 Beka Saginadze, 6 Luka Ivanishvili, 5 Vladimer Chachanidze, 4 Mikheil Babunashvili, 3 Irakli Aptsiauri, 2 Vano Karkadze, 1 Giorgi Akhaladze.
Replacements: Irakli Kvatadze, Giorgi Tetrashvili, Beka Gigashvili, Demur Epremeidze, Sando Mamamtavrishvili, Tornike Jalagonia, Tedo Abzhandadze, Tornike Kakhoidze.
Springboks vs Georgia prediction
South Africa heads into this match with a strong track record and home advantage, making them favourites.
Despite fielding a debutant front row, they boast seasoned players like Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende, creating a solid foundation.
Georgia is known for physicality, especially in scrums, which means the Boks will need to be technically sharp upfront.
Coach Stick said the goal is to maintain a high standard:
“We are hoping to see the players execute the game plan as well as possible and to play with the intensity we expect.”
The Springboks’ ability to blend new talent with established veterans gives them depth. Kolisi’s return brings leadership, and the home crowd could offer a psychological edge.
If the Springboks maintain composure in scrums and execute quick ball play, they are likely to win comfortably. Still, Georgia’s strong pack and aggressive style mean it may not be a walkover.
Final prediction: Springboks to win by 18 to 22 points.
