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South Africa to host Australia in three-Test series

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 6:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

South Africa Hosts Australia

South Africa will host Australia in a three-match Test series, first in Durban since 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The first Test runs Oct 9-13 at Kingsmead, Durban, starting 6:30 pm AEDT (9:30 am local).
SuperSport posted a 3-minute-49-second sandpaper clip on X, saying its cameras will be sharp.
Shaun Pollock expects South Africa to win 2-1, pointing to Australia’s shaky batting.
Steve Smith said he still gets flashbacks to 2018 and anticipates hostile crowds.

Summary

IOC Sets Deadline

South Africa entered continuous dialogue with the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
The plan proposes three venues: Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
IOC set 31 October as deadline for NOCs to submit expressions of interest.
SA Rugby ruled out an Olympic bid because stadium upgrade costs are too high.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said World Rugby prefers venues with government support, limiting South Africa’s chances.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Rugby World Cup, the first major international sport held in South Africa after apartheid and the first after the country's 1992 readmission, culminated in a 15–12 extra-time victory over New Zealand at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on 24 June 1995. President Nelson Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Cup to captain François Pienaar, a moment that still frames South Africa’s current bids for major events.

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South Africa Hosts Australia

South Africa will host Australia in a three-match Test series, first in Durban since 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The first Test runs Oct 9-13 at Kingsmead, Durban, starting 6:30 pm AEDT (9:30 am local).
SuperSport posted a 3-minute-49-second sandpaper clip on X, saying its cameras will be sharp.
Shaun Pollock expects South Africa to win 2-1, pointing to Australia’s shaky batting.
Steve Smith said he still gets flashbacks to 2018 and anticipates hostile crowds.

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