South Africa vs Australia LIVE: Rugby Championship score and updates

Former England head coach Eddie Jones was re-appointed by Australia in December The 2023 Rugby Championship begins as South Africa host Australia in the opener in Pretoria. The annual southern hemisphere spectacular will this year be held over only three rounds, forming a crucial part of prepartions for this autumn’s World Cup for the four competing nations. The Wallabies arrive in South Africa back under the guidance of Eddie Jones, installed for a second stint as Australia head coach after being sacked by England last December. Jones will recognise an opportunity to start well, with South Africa missing several key individuals and trying out a number of new combinations, with Australia looking to build quickly ahead of their autumnal French adventure. But the Springboks have never been beaten by their visitors in the Gauteng city, and an always intimidating Loftus Versfeld atmosphere should lift the home side. Argentina welcome New Zealand to Mendoza later on Saturday in round one’s other fixture. Follow all the live updates from the Rugby Championship below: 1688823053 The Rugby Championship may be half as long this year but has huge importance in gauging the readiness of the southern hemisphere powerhouses ahead of the World Cup in France when they clash over the month of July for the coveted trophy. Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa each have their own concerns ahead of the World Cup, but the boost of a Championship victory would send them jetting off to France with confirmation they are on the right track. The fixture list has been cut from six games to three to allow for World Cup warm-up matches. South Africa host Australia in Pretoria and New Zealand travel to Mendoza to meet Argentina in the opening fixtures on Saturday. Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa searching for boost in form at the Rugby Championship as they prepare for this year’s World Cup Harry Latham-Coyle 8 July 2023 14:30 1688818684 The Rugby World Cup is drawing closer with the Rugby Championship providing valuable gametime to prepare for the showpiece event in France. South Africa battle Australia with both sides likely to experiment with fresh combinations to arrive in the best form possible in September. The reigning world champions have been formidable in Pretoria against the Wallabies, who have never claimed victory in the city, but the Springboks could be vulnerable with a much-changed side. And Eddie Jones will no doubt be up for the fight as he returns to the Australia coaching box for the first time since re-taking the head coaching role after his dismissal by England in December. Here’s everything you need to know about the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium : South Africa vs Australia live stream: How to watch Rugby Championship match online and on TV Karl Matchett 8 July 2023 13:18