Springboks to face Fiji before 2027 Rugby World Cup

JOHANNESBURG: Defending champions South Africa will complete a seven-match build-up next year for the 2027 Rugby World Cup by playing Fiji in Australian city Gosford on September 18, it was announced on Friday.

The Springboks face Italy in Adelaide on October 3 in their opening Pool B match, then tackle Georgia in Brisbane and Romania in Perth.

Pool winners and runners-up, and four of the six third-placed teams, advance to the 16-nation first knockout round.

Fiji are in Pool C with 2023 World Cup semi-finalists Argentina, Spain and Canada.

Assuming South Africa reach the quarter-finals they could face greatest rivals New Zealand, who they beat 3-1 in a series that ended last weekend.

Before meeting Fiji, the Springboks will play two matches each against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

This is the first time the southern hemisphere event will have a double round in a World Cup year. Previously, the four sides played each other only once.

South Africa have met Fiji three times, winning each Test convincingly, including two at World Cup tournaments.

The match will provide contrasting styles with the power of the Springboks ranged against the ball-in-hand approach of the Flying Fijians.

South Africa are currently in Australia, preparing to face the Wallabies in a one-off Test in Perth on September 27.

In November, the Springboks are away to Italy, France and Ireland in the Nations Championship before travelling to London for a play-off during a three-day climax to the tournament. — AFP