Pick of the sport: The Boks return to Loftus with power and purpose as they look to dominate Italy and build momentum ahead of a massive season, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
The Springboks are back in action this Saturday as they welcome Italy to Loftus Versfeld for the second match of their July Test series. After brushing aside the Barbarians last week, Rassie Erasmus will be expecting a more structured and physical challenge from the Italians. With the Rugby Championship just around the corner, this is one more chance for fringe players to impress and for the world champions to sharpen their combinations in front of a packed Pretoria crowd.
Springboks vs Italy
Saturday, 5 July – 17:10
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
➜ Meanwhile, the Club World Cup is heating up with a blockbuster set of quarter-finals this weekend. On Friday night, Fluminense face Al-Hilal in a clash between South American flair and Saudi firepower. Chelsea take on Palmeiras in the early hours of Saturday morning, followed later by PSG vs Bayern in a European mega-match. Real Madrid, fresh off their round-of-16 win, close out the quarter-final stage against Dortmund on Saturday night.
Club World Cup Quarter-finals
Friday, 4 July
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal – 21:00
Saturday, 5 July
Palmeiras vs Chelsea – 03:00
PSG vs Bayern – 18:00
Real Madrid vs Dortmund – 22:00
➜ And across the English Channel, Formula 1 heads to the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the British Grand Prix. With the championship race tightening, the fast and flowing corners of this iconic track will be a major test of nerve.
F1: British Grand Prix
Sunday, 6 July
Race start: 16:00 (SA time)
Pictured above: The Springboks in training.
Image source: @Springboks
