The two teams will go head-to-head at the International Stadium Yokohama on 21 September 2019.

The hosts, Japan, will play in the opening match of World Rugby’s flagship event, against a European qualifiers in Pool. Ireland and Scotland will clash in the second match of the pool.

A week after their opening match the Springboks tackle the Africa 1 qualifier in the City of Toyota.

On 4 October the men in Green-and-Gold face Italy at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Fukuroi. The teams’ fourth and final Pool game will be against the Repechage winner four days later.

In his reaction to the match schedule draw, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said the opener against New Zealand will be a huge match in every sense.

“We play the number one side in the world at the moment and we are aware how good they are.

“The Test match in Cape Town has given our players a lot of belief and if we keep on improving then it will make for an even more interesting match.

“We are really excited to meet them first up, there is a great and proud rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks and judging by past encounters between the two sides, this opening group match is bound to be another massive contest.”

Italy open their campaign against the two Pool B qualifiers, with their final Pool match against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks will face the Repechage winners in their second game, followed by the Africa 1 qualifiers, before wrapping the Pool up against the Azzurri.

The ninth Rugby World Cup will be held from 20 September to 9 November 2019.

Springboks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup match schedule  (with local and SA times):

Saturday, 21 September: South Africa vs New Zealand, International Stadium Yokohama (18h45 / 11h45)

Saturday, 28 September: South Africa vs Africa 1, City of Toyota Stadium (18h45 / 11h45)

Friday, 4 October: South Africa vs Italy, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (18h45 / 11h45)

Tuesday, 8 October: South Africa vs Repechage winner, Kobe Misaki Stadium (19h15 / 12h15)

Morgan Piek OFM Sport