South Africa have confirmed they’ll kick-off a 14-match 2014 schedule on June 7 against a World XV in Cape Town.
The non-cap game at Newlands stadium precedes Tests against Wales (three), Argentina, Australia, New Zealand (two each), England, Ireland, Italy and Scotland.
A decision on the proposed World XV fixture had been delayed while the South African Rugby Union (SARU) negotiated financial deals.
Profits from the game will help fund training camps for the Springboks ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
SARU said the World backs would include France-based Australians James O’Connor, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, former All Black Hosea Gear and Frenchman Francois Trinh-Duc.
Forwards already chosen include two props, South African BJ Botha and New Zealander Carl Hayman, English loose forward Steffon Armitage and French No. 8 Julien Bonnaire.
SARU said they would release further statements during April regarding the composition of the squad.
Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett, a Johannesburg-based television pundit for the 2014 Super 15 season, has been named coach of the World XV.
Mallett will come up against Heyneke Meyer, one of his assistants when he coached the Springboks during the late 1990s.
SPRINGBOKS SCHEDULE (all kick-off times GMT):
June
7: World XV, Cape Town 1500
14: Wales, Durban 1505
21: Wales, Nelspruit 1505
28: Scotland, Port Elizabeth 1500
August
16: Argentina, Pretoria 1500
23: Argentina, Salta 1910
September
6: Australia, Perth 1005
13: New Zealand, Wellington 0735
27: Australia, Cape Town 1500
October
4: New Zealand, Johannesburg 1500
November
8: Ireland, Dublin 1730
15: England, London 1430
22: Italy
29: Wales, Cardiff 1430