Pick of the sport: The Springboks return to action in Cape Town on Friday as they face the Barbarians in a high-energy curtain-raiser that kicks off their 2025 season in style, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
The Springboks are back in action as they take on the Barbarians at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday. It’s more than just a friendly, this Qatar Airways Cup clash is a curtain-raiser to the international season and a chance for fringe players to impress ahead of the Rugby Championship. Expect flair, fire and a few fireworks in front of a packed crowd.
Qatar Airways Cup – Friendly
Saturday, 28 June
Springboks vs Barbarians, 17:10
DHL Stadium, Cape Town
➜ Over in the cricket world, the Proteas head north to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series. The first match starts on Friday in Harare. With World Test Championship points on the line, South Africa will be looking to dominate, but they can’t afford to take their neighbours lightly.
Test Series – 1st Test
Friday, 27 June to Wednesday, 2 July
Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 10:00
Harare
➜ The Fifa Club World Cup heats up this weekend with knockout football from around the globe. From South America to Europe and everywhere in between, 16 of the world’s best clubs are fighting for a shot at world champion status.
Saturday kicks off with two big openers: Palmeiras battle Botafogo in a Brazilian derby, while Chelsea face Portuguese giants Benfica. Sunday is stacked with star power, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami take on PSG, and Flamengo face European heavyweights Bayern Munich in a titanic clash.
Into the new week, it’s knockout football at its finest. Inter Milan meet Fluminense in a battle of styles, while English treble-winners Manchester City face Saudi champions Al-Hilal. Real Madrid and Juventus clash on Wednesday, and the round wraps up early Thursday when Dortmund meet Monterrey.
Club World Cup – Round of 16 Fixtures
Saturday, 28 June
Palmeiras vs Botafogo – 18:00
Benfica vs Chelsea – 22:00
Sunday, 29 June
PSG vs Inter Miami – 18:00
Flamengo vs Bayern Munich – 22:00
Monday, 30 June
Inter Milan vs Fluminense – 21:00
Manchester City vs Al-Hilal – 03:00 (Tuesday)
Wednesday, 2 July
Real Madrid vs Juventus – 21:00
Thursday, 3 July
Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey – 03:00
Pictured above: The Springboks.
Image source: @Springboks
