Victor Matfield says he’s heard that the Springboks could field a second-string side during the November leg of the new Nations Championship.
The biennial competition will see the four Sanzaar nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, as well as invitational sides Fiji and Japan, take on the Six Nations teams (England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) in cross-hemisphere clashes in July and November.
The Springboks will host England, Scotland and Wales in July, before travelling north later in the year to face Italy, France and Ireland. The world champions will also feature on Finals Weekend at Twickenham where a Nations Championship winner will be crowned.
The Boks also face Argentina in Buenos Aires before playing four Tests against the All Blacks – three in South Africa and a fourth in the USA – as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
A fixture against the Wallabies in Perth follows, resulting in a demanding 13-Test 2026 schedule that will force Bok coach Rassie Erasmus to rest and rotate with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
ALSO: Springboks 2026 schedule
Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield suggested the Nations Championship could see significant squad rotation.
“I think it’s going to be good, but I don’t know how important it’s going to be for the coaches,” said the former Bok captain.
“I’ve heard there might be a South African B side going over at the end of the year.
“I don’t know if it’s true – I’ve just heard rumours. Someone just told me they heard it. Let’s see what happens.”
OPINION: Nations Championship faces credibility check
France have already indicated they will not send a full-strength squad to New Zealand for the Nations Championship opener against the All Blacks in July, with players involved in the Top 14 final unavailable for selection.
Les Bleus took a weakened squad to New Zealand last year for a series against the All Blacks and lost all three Tests.
MORE: France B team to face All Blacks again
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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