South Africa national rugby union team of the rankings. Below is test matches played by South Africa up until 16 November 2018. Only fixtures recognised as test matches by the South African Rugby Union are listed. ± The Cavaliers was the name given to an unofficial (rebel) New Zealand team which toured South Africa in 1986. The New Zealand Rugby Union did not sanction the team and do not recognise the side as a New Zealand representative team. On 27 October 2018, head coach Rassie Erasmus named a 36-man squad for South Africa's end-of-year outgoing tour. On 5 November 2018, Faf de Klerk was added to
South Africa national rugby union team boost by the early Lions tours, which created great interest in the South African press. South Africa would not lose another series—home or away—until 1956. The first South African team to tour the British Isles and France occurred during 1906–07. The team played tests against all four Home Nations. England managed a draw, but Scotland was the only one of the Home unions to gain a victory. The trip instilled a sense of national pride among South Africans. The South Africans played an unofficial match against a 'France' team while the official French team were in England; the Springboks won