The upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up test between the Springboks and the All Blacks has generated palpable excitement among fans. Here’s what you need to know about this highly anticipated event.
The Details
The warm-up test will take place at Twickenham on Friday, August 25, with tickets selling out quickly. As of now, 65,000 tickets have already been sold, leaving a limited number for die-hard rugby enthusiasts.
The Springboks’ Road to the World Cup
The South African national team, the Springboks, will be defending their title in France at the World Cup. This warm-up test against their New Zealand counterparts, the All Blacks, will be their last preparatory match before the prestigious tournament. It will also mark the end of Jacques Nienaber’s tenure as head coach of the Springboks.
The Springboks’ international season is set to begin against Australia in Pretoria on Saturday, July 8. This match forms part of the opening round of the shortened Rugby Championship, which will include matches against New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland and Argentina in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 29. This will be the Springboks’ final match on home soil for the year.
In August, the South African team will travel to Buenos Aires to face the Pumas, followed by Rugby World Cup warm-up matches against Wales and the All Blacks in Cardiff and London, respectively. This final build-up will culminate in their participation in the international showpiece in France.
The Rugby World Cup
The Springboks’ Rugby World Cup title defense will officially begin on Sunday, September 10, against Scotland in Marseille. Subsequent pool matches will be played against Romania in Bordeaux (September 17), Ireland in Paris (September 23), and Tonga in Marseille (October 1).
The intense competition will continue with the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals scheduled for the weekend of October 14/15, the semi-finals on October 20/21, and the much-anticipated final on Saturday, October 28.
What’s Next
The Springboks’ 2023 calendar includes their participation in the Rugby Championship, featuring matches against formidable opponents Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. These games will serve as essential preparation for the Rugby World Cup warm-up fixtures and the subsequent World Cup itself.
Rugby fans worldwide eagerly await these high-stakes matches, showcasing the talent and dedication of the Springboks and All Blacks. As anticipation builds for the warm-up test at Twickenham and the subsequent Rugby World Cup, one thing is certain: the passion and commitment displayed by these teams will undoubtedly lead to unforgettable moments on the pitch.
