South Africa and New Zealand to meet at Twickenham in World cup warm-up
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 27: Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks clears while Handré Pollard of the Springboks tackles him during the 2019 Rugby Championship Test Match between New Zealand and South Africa at Westpac Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)
World champions South Africa and 2022 Rugby Championship winners New Zealand will meet in a World cup warm-up at Twickenham ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The game will be played on Friday 25 August, precisely two weeks before New Zealand kick off the competition against favourites France at Stade de France.
All Blacks boss Ian Foster felt the game would be ideal preparation for that clash, expecting a big test under the lights of Twickenham.
“This match will form an important part of our preparations for Rugby World Cup.” He said.
“Matches against the Springboks are always hard-fought and we are expecting nothing less than a titanic battle on this unique occasion.”
It will only be the second time that the two sides meet at England‘s national stadium, with the only other occasion being the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi-final, which New Zealand edged 20-18.
With both nations having large ex-pat communities in London the game is expected to be very well attended, and South Africa boss Jacques Nienaber is looking forward to the boost his players will get from the Springboks own contingent.
He said: “We’re excited to play this vital fixture before the Rugby World Cup at the iconic Twickenham.
“There is a large contingent of passionate expats and Springbok supporters in London, and we have no doubt they will come out in numbers and give us a lift before we attempt to defend our World Cup crown.”
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