South Africa wrapped up their July international campaign with a hard-fought clash against Georgia in Mbombela.
The Springboks remain unbeaten so far in 2025 with a non-capped win over the Barbarians followed by two Test successes against Italy, with Rassie Erasmus pleased with an improved showing in the second encounter with the Azzurri despite Jasper Wiese’s sending off. Erasmus was, however, again in the headlines with South Africa’s trademark innovations attracting some criticism, and a World Rugby law clarification has cracked down on their manufacturing of a scrum situation from the opening kick off.
Georgia, though defeated, showed plenty of fight against the world champions. Coming off a recent loss to Ireland, Richard Cockerill’s side demonstrated their determination to challenge top-tier opposition and gained valuable experience on the international stage.
Follow all of the latest from the international clash with our live blog below:
South Africa vs Georgia live
- South Africa host Georgia in Mbombela in one-off clash | Live on Sky Sports with kick off at 4.10pm BST
- Springboks secured a 2-0 series win over Italy last week despite Jasper Wiese's sending off
- Visitors are coached by former England hooker Richard Cockerill and lost to Ireland earlier in July
Springboks extend winning streak with dominant win over Georgia
18:14 , Ciara FearnSouth Africa have continued their dominant run this year, securing a solid victory against a resilient Georgian side.
The Springboks showcased their trademark physicality and tactical prowess, particularly in set-piece situations, where rolling mauls and strong scrums repeatedly broke down the opposition’s defence.
Georgia fought hard and showed moments of promise, especially at the breakdown and in maintaining possession.
However, South Africa’s experience and clinical execution in key moments proved decisive, with debutants like Boan Venter and Marnus van der Merwe making impactful contributions.
Coach Rassie Erasmus will be pleased with the team’s ability to control the game despite some early adjustments needed against a disciplined Georgian pack. For Georgia, this match highlighted areas for growth but also reinforced their reputation as tough competitors willing to challenge rugby’s best.
South Africa's final two tries
18:08 , Ciara FearnThose last two tries were just superb✅#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvGEO pic.twitter.com/k5F6ZDxT80
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2025
Full-time! South Africa 55-10 Georgia
18:07 , Ciara FearnThis man clearly loves scoring tries 💥#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvGEO pic.twitter.com/39Zh0F9gnE
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2025
Try! South Africa 55-10 Georgia
18:05 , Ciara Fearn80 mins: The Springboks extend their lead with a breathtaking coast-to-coast effort.
Handre Pollard charges through the defence with ease to bring up the half-century on the scoreboard.
Try! South Africa (Arendse) 48-10 Georgia
18:04 , Ciara Fearn78 mins: Try time for South Africa! Right from the kick-off, the Springboks launch a devastating attack.
RG Snyman delivers a perfect offload to Grant Williams, who quickly executes a switch pass to Kurt-Lee Arendse. Arendse then outpaces the defence, racing under the posts to score.
Handre Pollard adds the extras.
Try! South Africa ( Merwe) 41-10 Georgia
17:57 , Ciara Fearn73 mins: A single mistake from Georgia allows the Springboks to seize possession and advance quickly to the 5-metre line.
Faf de Klerk cleverly chips the ball over the defence and Edwill van der Merwe weaves through the chaos to be the first to ground it for the score.
Handre Pollard nails the conversion.
South Africa 34-10 Georgia
17:52 , Ciara Fearn70 mins: Georgia have established a strong foothold deep inside South Africa’s half, controlling plenty of territory.
Now, they must turn this sustained pressure into points on the board.
South Africa 34-10 Georgia
17:48 , Ciara Fearn68 mins: Strong defensive work from South Africa as Georgia set up a driving maul in an attempt to power over the line.
The Springboks hold firm, disrupt the momentum, and successfully force the turnover.
South Africa 34-10 Georgia
17:47 , Ciara Fearn66 mins: Georgia earn a penalty after the referee's whistle and waste no time signalling for touch.
They’ll look to set up a lineout deep near the Springbok try line as they push to be the next team on the scoreboard.
South Africa 34-10 Georgia
17:44 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: South Africa will have the lineout as Georgia drills a clever kick into the corner, keeping the hosts pinned deep inside their own 22-metre area.
South Africa 34-10 Georgia
17:42 , Ciara Fearn60 mins: Georgia continue to compete fiercely at the breakdown, winning another penalty for holding on.
They opt to kick for touch and push play into Springbok territory, gaining valuable ground.
South Africa 32-10 Georgia
17:37 , Ciara Fearn56 mins: A well-executed set-piece move from the scrum sees Damian Willemse break blindside on first-phase ball, gliding through the gap to score the try.
South Africa 27-10 Georgia
17:34 , Ciara Fearn54 mins: South Africa are poised to strike again with a line-out just five metres from the Georgian try line.
The Springboks are looking threatening in this attacking zone and could capitalise quickly
South Africa 27-10 Georgia
17:30 , Ciara Fearn52 mins: Penalty to Georgia as South Africa are penalised at the scrum.
The visitors will kick for touch and aim to set up a lineout around the halfway line.
South Africa 27-10 Georgia
17:25 , Ciara Fearn47 mins: South Africa secure clean ball from the lineout and quickly spread it wide through the backline.
Kurt-Lee Arendse latches onto a well-timed cut-out pass on the wing and cruises in for a smooth finish and another Springbok try.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu flushes another conversion and South Africa build on their lead.
South Africa 22-10 Georgia
17:23 , Ciara Fearn45 mins: Georgia find themselves under intense pressure as South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’ makes an immediate impact.
With a series of ferocious tackles the Springboks drive the opposition into touch near their try line earning an attacking lineout in a prime position.
South Africa 22-10 Georgia
17:18 , Ciara Fearn41 mins: Lineout to South Africa after Georgia clears from the restart.
The Springboks now have a platform to build an attack inside Georgian territory.
Kick-off! South Africa 22-10 Georgia
17:17 , Ciara FearnThe second half is set to start as the players take their positions on the field. S
acha Feinberg-Mngomezulu restarts play with a deep kick into Georgia’s 22-metre area.
Half-time! South Africa 22-10 Georgia
17:02 , Ciara FearnThe ball goes bouncing loose and it’s half-time. Georgia are 11th in the world against back to back world champions. Georgia trail just 12 points behind.
South Africa 22-10 Georgia
17:01 , Ciara Fearn40 mins: South Africa earn a penalty at the scrum and choose to reset by packing down for another scrum to continue applying pressure.
South Africa 22-10 Georgia
16:59 , Ciara Fearn39 mins: Scrum awarded to Georgia as their defence stands strong to halt the maul close to their try line.
South Africa lose control spilling the ball forward and handing possession back to the visitors.
South Africa 22-10 Georgia
16:58 , Ciara Fearn37 mins: The Springbok pack maintains their dominance, effortlessly securing another scrum penalty.
They choose to kick for the corner, setting up what looks to be another powerful rolling maul opportunity.
Try! South Africa (Merwe) 22-10 Georgia
16:53 , Ciara Fearn32 mins: The Springbok forwards begin to assert their dominance, first earning a scrum penalty before driving a powerful maul over the try line.
Marnus van der Merwe crosses for his second try of the game, showcasing the pack’s strength and control.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adds the extras.
South Africa 15-10 Georgia
16:50 , Ciara Fearn31 mins: The scrum is awarded to Georgia who successfully disrupt the opposition’s line-out maul and secure the feed-in close to their own 22-metre line.
South Africa 15-10 Georgia
16:48 , Ciara Fearn28 mins: Luka Matkava’s kick sails cleanly between the posts pushing Georgia into double digits on the scoreboard - an achievement they couldn’t manage the last time these two teams faced off.
South Africa 15-7 Georgia
16:47 , Ciara Fearn27 mins: Georgia are determined to increase their lead after being awarded another penalty deep inside Springboks territory.
Opting for the straightforward option, they decide to take the shot at goal aiming to capitalise on the opportunity and put points on the board.
South Africa 15-7 Georgia
16:43 , Ciara Fearn25 mins: South Africa win a turnover. Georgia are slow to release at the breakdown, allowing South Africa to earn a penalty for holding on.
South Africa 15-7 Georgia
16:42 , Ciara Fearn23 mins: Penalty to Georgia. Georgia earn a penalty during the scrum and will aim to launch an attack inside the 22-metre area preparing to set up a lineout.
Try! South Africa (Williams) 15-7 Georgia
16:38 , Ciara Fearn20 mins: Grant Williams identifies a gap in the defence and bursts through, quickly offloading to the backline.
Canan Moodie shows great composure to stay on his feet despite the tackle and crosses the try line to score.
The conversion from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu goes wide.
South Africa 10-8 Georgia
16:35 , Ciara Fearn19 mins: Georgia concede a penalty for obstruction giving the Springboks the opportunity to clear their lines with a kick for touch from inside their 22-metre area.
South Africa 10-7 Georgia
16:34 , Ciara Fearn17 mins: Penalty to Georgia. At the restart Georgia forces a turnover and earns a penalty opting once again to kick for the corner.
With a powerful and relentless pack ready to launch the upcoming set-piece, South Africa will need to stay vigilant against this formidable Georgian threat.
Try! South Africa 10-7 Georgia
16:31 , Ciara Fearn14 mins: Once again, the Springboks showcase their dominance with a perfectly executed rolling maul.
With powerful forward momentum debutant Marnus van der Merwe breaks free from the tightly packed group and charges over the try line, claiming a memorable first score for himself.
Penalty! South Africa 5-7 Georgia
16:30 , Ciara Fearn12 mins: South Africa’s relentless kick chase forces a turnover close to Georgia’s try line, earning a penalty for offside.
The Springboks now aim to set up a lineout just five metres out.
South Africa (Venter) 5-7 Georgia
16:27 , Ciara Fearn9 mins: The Springboks keep it close with their forwards, using a series of pick-and-go drives to inch toward the try line.
Debutant Boan Venter powers through the contact driving his legs to muscle over and score his first try in green and gold.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's misses the conversion.
South Africa 0-7 Georgia
16:24 , Ciara Fearn7 mins: South Africa are awarded a penalty at the scrum, with the referee penalising Georgia for offside.
The Springboks waste no time, opting to kick to the corner as they prepare to launch an attacking set-piece.
South Africa 0-7 Georgia
16:23 , Ciara Fearn6 mins: The Springboks attempt an immediate response to Georgia’s early try, building pressure through the phases.
However, a mistimed switch pass in midfield goes astray allowing the visitors to capitalise with the first scrum of the match inside their own 22-metre area
Try! South Africa 0-7 Georgia (Karkadze)
16:19 , Ciara Fearn3 mins: Georgia’s forward pack roars to life, gaining momentum as they form a well-structured rolling maul deep in South African territory.
With precision and power, they drive over the try line, and it’s hooker Vano Karkadze who emerges triumphantly from the pile, ball firmly in hand and the try confirmed.
Luka Matkava adds the extras.
South Africa 0-0 Georgia
16:18 , Ciara Fearn2 mins: Penalty! Georgia maintain solid possession and choose to kick to the corner rather than take the available points.
Kick-off! South Africa 0-0 Georgia
16:16 , Ciara Fearn1 min: This will be the Springboks' third and final mid-year Test of the season.
We’re underway at the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa. Luka Matkava gets the game started for Georgia with a deep kick into the Springboks 22m.
Team line-up reminder
16:05 , Ciara FearnSouth Africa Rugby Lineup vs. Georgia: 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 Fouche, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements – 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Damian Willemse.
Georgia Rugby Lineup vs. South Africa Springboks: Starting XV – 1 Giorgi Akhaladze, 2 Vano Karkadze, 3 Irakli Aptsiauri, 4 Mikheil Babunashvili, 5 Lado Chachanidze, 6 Luka Ivanishvili, 7 Beka Saginadze, 8 Ilia Spanderashvili, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 10 Luka Matkava, 11 Sandro Todua, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 13 Demur Tapladze, 14 Aka Tabutsadze, 15 Davit Niniashvili. Replacements – 16 Irakli Kvatadze, 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Demur Epremidze, 20 Sandro Mamamtavrishvili, 21 Tornike Jalagonia, 22 Tedo Abzhandadze, 23 Tornike Kakhoidze.
Three players - Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Neethling Fouche, will make their Test debut today.
Ten minute warning 👏#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvGEO pic.twitter.com/fUhjfG8Ivj
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 19, 2025
Tonight's match officials
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s Englishman Matthew Carley overseeing affairs in Mbombela tonight, a product of the Kent Refereeing Society now very established at international level.
Referee: Matthew Carley (Eng)
ARs: Hollie Davidson (Sco) & Adam Leal (Eng)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
Can Georgia press their case?
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleRichard Cockerill has been incredibly vocal in demanding greater opportunities for his side since taking the role as Georgia head coach, the former England hooker clear that the regular Rugby Europe winners deserve more chances against the top sides. With Six Nations expansion off the table, and Georgia set to be locked out of the new Nations Cup when it launches next year, it’s a bit of a worry - but this is an occasion that the Lelos should relish and rip into as they look to prove a point. They weren’t quite at their best against Ireland in Tbilisi earlier this month - can they give South Africa a scare?
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleLast year, I went to meet Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi on the Channel Island of Jersey to find out the inside story behind the Springboks’ evolution:
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
Siya Kolisi returns for South Africa
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is welcome news for South Africa with Siya Kolisi back to full fitness and thus back in the starting side, the Springboks skipper held back until Rassie Erasmus felt he was able to play a full part. It will be a proud moment, meanwhile, for that trio of front row debutants: Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche.
"We wanted to make sure that Siya is 100% fit before selecting him, so it’s great to have him back in the squad, while Boan, Marnus, and Neethling have been training hard and deserve their chance," Erasmus said.
"Building squad depth has been one of our pillars as a squad since 2018, and they are all undoubtedly ready to make the step up."
Team news - Georgia
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleGeorgia make just a single change to the starting side that lost to Ireland, with Ilia Spanderashvili preferred to Tonrike Jalagonia at No 8. Jalagonia forms part of a bench that includes six forwards.
There is plenty of threat out wide in the form of free-scoring wing Akaki Tabutsadze, who is on track to become men’s Test rugby’s all-time leading try scorer in the next few years, and the brilliant Davit Niniashvili, stationed at full-back.
Georgia XV: 1 Giorgi Akhaladze, 2 Vano Karkadze, 3 Irakli Aptsiauri; 4 Mikheil Babunashvili, 5 Lado Chachanidze; 6 Luka Ivanishvili, 7 Beka Saghinadze (capt.), 8 Ilia Spanderashvili; 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 10 Luka Matkava; 11 Sandro Todua, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 13 Demur Tapladze, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze; 15 Davit Niniashvili.
Replacements: 16 Irakli Kvatadze, 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Demur Epremidze, 20 Sandro Mamatavrishvili, 21 Tornike Jalagonia; 22 Tedo Abzhandadze, 23 Tornike Kakhoidze.
Team news - South Africa
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSiya Kolisi returns from injury to lead a Springboks side full of familiar faces - and a few new ones. It’s a fully fresh front row picked by Rassie Erasmus with three debutants in the starting team, Neethling Fouche of the Stormers joined by Edinburgh’s Boan Venter and Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe in tasting their first international action.
Cobus Wiese is surprisingly utilised at No 8 with brother Jasper serving a suspension after his red card against Italy, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu steps in at fly half. The bench, as ever, is full of talent, with seven double World Cup winners joined by star Bath prop Thomas du Toit.
South Africa XV: 1 Boan Venter, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Neethling Fouche; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Cobus Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Damian Willemse.
The #Springboks team to face Georgia feature a new-look front row, while Siya Kolisi is back for the first time in 2025 💚💛#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 15, 2025
South Africa vs Georgia
15:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleMbombela, the city formerly known as Nelspruit tucked up near Eswatini in northwestern South Africa, isn’t necessarily a venue one would instantly associate with the Springboks, but the hosts love playing on the bank of the Crocodile River and will expect passionate support.
“It’s always fantastic to play here,” said Siya Kolisi - who made his Test debut at the venue back in June 2013 against Scotland - this week.
“The vibe at the stadium is amazing, and we know that it will be similar to last week in Gqeberha, where the crowd really got involved and inspired us. We are very grateful to the people coming to the stadium. They definitely lift us, so we are grateful for their support.”
The two sides of Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s another start for Eben Etzebeth today, the Springboks’ enforcer extending his record tally of South Africa caps to 133. There is more to the lock than one might immediately assume, though, as I found out last November:
The two sides of Springboks enforcer Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’
Springboks assistant warns South Africa to brace for stiff scrum challenge
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa have picked three debutants in their front row today, evidence of their ridiculous depth in that area but also perhaps a risk against a Georgian side that, as ever, has plenty of scrum strength.
“Georgia are a physical team, and they pride themselves on their set pieces, so we know having to match that will be the toughest part for us,” said Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick this week.
“I’ve been to Georgia, and I’ve seen how tough their players are, but the key for us is to improve on our standards consistently, and as coaches, we feel there is still room for improvement, so we are hoping to see the players execute the game plan as well as possible and to play with the intensity we expect.”
Aphelele Fassi continues international journey
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAphelele Fassi hasn’t always had an easy time in international rugby, but the Springboks full-back came again to seize the No 15 shirt last year after a period out of the South Africa set-up. The 27-year-old made his debut against Georgia in 2021 - here’s a little bit more about a player really starting to find his footing at this level...
Breakthrough Springboks star Aphelele Fassi: ‘I’m just trying to be myself’
South Africa vs Georgia
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s four years since these two last met, that game serving as preparation for South Africa ahead of the British and Irish Lions series before a second meeting was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic in a sign of the different times in which that Test was played.
South Africa vs Georgia live
01:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleA very good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of South Africa’s international clash with Georgia as the Springboks continue a busy July of action. With a series win against Italy already in the bag this month, Rassie Erasmus has rotated again but has taken few chances in a strong selection for the visit of a European opponent always pushing for more opportunities like this.
Kick off in Mbombela is at 4.10pm BST.
