The moment Wales had been dreading for months arrived with matchday three of the 2026 Nations Championship – a clash with the Springboks in South Africa. Rassie Erasmus is yet to field a full team, but the world champions have claimed two bonus point victories that put them top of the Southern Hemisphere standings.
While there were plenty of positives for Wales, who beat the Barbarians and Fiji after closing their Six Nations campaign with a shock victory over Italy, they were brought back down to earth with a shocker last weekend. They conceded five tries in a 35-21 defeat to Argentina, who simply dominated Steve Tandy’s men.
Cue the most muscular team in rugby. South Africa inflicted Wales’ heaviest home defeat when the sides last met, a 73-0 scoreline in Cardiff last November. Erasmus’ 10 changes to the starting line-up mean a repeat is unlikely in Durban on Saturday, but Wales are still preparing for the worst.
Flyhalf Vusi Moyo is one of four Springbok debutants, along with Jaco Williams, Ruben van Heerden and Carlu Sadie, while Pieter-Steph du Toit continues to fill in for injured skipper Siya Kolisi. Wales captain Dewi Lake has been deemed fit enough to start following a groin problem, while Louis Rees-Zammit returns to the starting line-up at right wing as part of a set of six changes.
Read on as we explain how to watch South Africa vs Wales in the 2026 Nations Championship for free.
Can you watch South Africa vs Wales for free?
Yes. South Africa v Wales is broadcast free-to-air Rugbypass TV in the United States, on ITVX in the United Kingdom, and on Blank Media Set in Ireland.
Free Welsh language coverage is also available from S4C via BBC iPlayer.
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch South Africa vs Wales for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in the USA
South Africa vs Wales, as well as the 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to watch live for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the United States.
You can connect via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside the United States? Use a VPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in the UK
In the UK, South Africa v Wales is broadcast for free on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
Fans who prefer to watch South Africa vs Wales with Welsh commentary can tune in for free on S4C via BBC iPlayer.
If you’re not in the UK but still want to connect, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in Ireland
South Africa v Wales is streamed for free on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via the Blank Media Set platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas detailed above, to access your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in Australia
In Australia, South Africa vs Wales is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month in addition to a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were at home.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport Reviews broadcasts the South Africa vs Wales match.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service from NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch Springboks vs Wales live streams in South Africa
The Springboks vs Wales match is broadcast on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch South Africa vs Wales live streams in Canada
In Canada, South Africa vs Wales is broadcast on Premier Sports.
A monthly subscription costs CA$29.99. You will need either the six-month pass at CA$79.99 or the annual subscription at CA$139.99/year to enjoy the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time for South Africa vs Wales?
The scheduled kick-off time for South Africa against Wales on Saturday July 18 is 5:40 p.m. SAST Durban local time, which is 8:40 a.m. PT / 11:40 a.m. ET / 4:40 p.m. BST.
It’s 1:40 a.m. AEST on Sunday July 19 in Australia.
What is the South Africa vs Wales head to head?
The Springboks have won 36 of their previous 44 meetings with Wales. Wales have won seven and the other ended in a draw.
In South Africa, the record is 12-1.
Can I watch South Africa vs Wales on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX, BBC iPlayer and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
