RUGBY THRILLS - what to expect this weekend

Clear your schedule and cancel your plans — the rugby gods have spoken, and they’ve delivered a weekend lineup that’s wall-to-wall action. From sunrise scrums in New Zealand to primetime Currie Cup clashes, SuperSport is your passport to every bone-rattling moment.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Women’s Rugby World Cup jumps in with a full slate of fixtures that’ll keep your remote working overtime. It’s rugby, rugby, and more rugby — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eden Park: Where Hope Goes to Get Tackled

Eden Park isn’t just a stadium — it’s a rugby riddle the Springboks haven’t solved since 1937. The All Blacks haven’t lost a test there since 1994, which makes Saturday’s showdown a mountain of mythic proportions. But if there’s one thing the Boks love, it’s defying history with a bit of muscle and magic.

Australia and Argentina get things rolling earlier in Brisbane. It’s Round 3 of the Rugby Championship, and every point counts as teams jostle for position and pride. Expect fireworks, flair, and a few tactical surprises.

Fixtures:
📺 Australia v Argentina — Saturday 06:20 on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 New Zealand v South Africa — Saturday 08:55 on Grandstand (channel 201)

Currie Cup Chaos: Mullets, Mayhem & Match Points

Round 7 of the Currie Cup is here, and it’s got more plot twists than a soapie set in Bloemfontein. Friday night’s clash between the Sharks and Pumas is the perfect way to shake off the office cobwebs and ease into the weekend.

Saturday’s triple-header is a feast of provincial pride. Province host the Kavaliers, the Lions take on Griquas, and the Bulls face the Cheetahs in a match that could tilt the playoff scales. Expect big hits, bigger hair, and maybe a few surprise results.

Fixtures:
📺 Hollywoodbets Sharks v Airlink Pumas — Friday 19:00 on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 DHL Western Province v Sanlam Boland Kavaliers — Saturday 14:35 on SuperSport Rugby (channel 211)
📺 Fidelity ADT Lions v Suzuki Griquas — Saturday 16:50 on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 Vodacom Bulls v Toyota Cheetahs — Saturday 19:00 on Grandstand (channel 201)

NPC: New Zealand’s Answer to Coffee Breaks

The NPC is back with its signature blend of misty mornings and rugged rugby. Friday’s Otago v Northland clash is your official excuse to “check emails” while watching scrums — a welcome break from the mundane if you're stuck in an office.

Saturday and Sunday bring more early-morning action, with Manawatu, Waikato, Southland, Canterbury, Tasman and Auckland all in play. It’s gritty, it’s glorious, and it’s best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee and zero interruptions.

Fixtures:
📺 Otago v Northland — Friday 09:00 on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 Manawatu v Waikato — Saturday 04:00 on SuperSport Action (channel 210)
📺 Southland v Canterbury — Saturday 06:00 on SuperSport Action (channel 210)
📺 Tasman v Auckland — Sunday 06:30 on Grandstand (channel 201)

Island Vibes & Flying Tackles

The Pacific Nations Cup brings flair, fire, and footwork that’ll make your ankles hurt just watching. Samoa and Fiji kick things off in a clash that promises big hits and even bigger sidesteps.

Sunday’s USA v Japan fixture adds a dash of unpredictability to the mix. Both teams are known for their speed and ambition, so expect a fast-paced contest with plenty of drama.

Fixtures:
📺 Samoa v Fiji — Saturday 4:50am on SuperSport Variety 1 (channel 206)
📺 USA v Japan — Sunday 3am on Grandstand (channel 201)

Women’s World Cup: History Made, Now the Real Fun Begins

The Springbok Women made history yesterday by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup playoff — and they did it by beating Italy, a team ranked four spots higher. It was tight, tense, and totally unforgettable.

Now the knockout drama begins. With eight matches across Saturday and Sunday, the Women’s Rugby World Cup is delivering a full weekend of passion, pride, and pure rugby joy. Keep an eye on the Bok Women’s clash with France — it’s the one you don’t want to miss.

Fixtures:
📺 Canada v Scotland — Saturday 12:50pm on SuperSport Events (channel 199)
📺 USA v Samoa — Saturday 2:20pm on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 Wales v Fiji — Saturday 3:35pm on SuperSport Events (channel 199)
📺 England v Australia — Saturday 5:50pm on SuperSport Events (channel 199)
📺 Japan v Spain — Sunday 12:50pm on SuperSport Events (channel 199)
📺 Italy v Brazil — Sunday 2:50pm on SuperSport Events (channel 199)
📺 New Zealand v Ireland — Sunday 3:35pm on Grandstand (channel 201)
📺 France v South Africa — Sunday 5:45pm on Grandstand (channel 201)