Springboks confirm top 10-ranked nation for final 2027 World Cup warm-up match: ‘They force to be reckoned with’
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus and an inset of Bismarck du Plessis in action against Fiji.
The Springboks and Flying Fijians will face off in a 2027 Rugby World Cup warm-up match, the two unions have confirmed.
The clash will complete the two nations’ preparations ahead of the tournament in Australia, with the fixture taking place at the polytec Stadium in Gosford, north of Sydney, on Saturday, 18 September 2027 (kick-off at 18h00 AEST, 10h00 SA time).
South Africa will start the defence of their world title just over two weeks later when they take on Italy in Adelaide on Sunday, 3 October.
This will be the fourth meeting between Springboks and Fiji in their history, with the match serving as a vital part of both teams’ preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. South Africa will be aiming for a historic first-ever World Cup three-peat, while the Flying Fijians will look to build on their 2023 quarter-final appearance as they carry the hopes of the Pacific into a home-region tournament.
Rassie Erasmus: “Fiji are a quality team who have consistently tested some of the top sides in the world”
As part of their commitment to the region, both teams will take up residence on the Central Coast, leading into and following the Test, with the establishment of high-performance training camps which will see them integrated with the local community and utilising its world-class facilities.
“We are very excited about the announcement of the clash against Fiji as part of our preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and for the opportunity to play another Test match in Gosford on the Central Coast after last facing the Pacific Islanders there in 2004,” Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“Fiji are a quality team who have consistently tested some of the top sides in the world over the last few years, and they proved that they can be a force to be reckoned with by advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so it’s certainly going to be a great Test for our team before the international spectacle in Australia.
“They are one of the top 10 ranked teams in the world, and they are a physical and talented side who will undoubtedly want to take full advantage of the match, similarly to us, before the Rugby World Cup kicks off.
“I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible from the Central Coast and SA Rugby, and I have no doubt it is going to be an exciting encounter in an area where both teams enjoy fantastic support.”
Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu
Fiji Rugby Union CEO, Koli Sewabu, added: “Fiji Rugby is delighted to confirm this historic Test Match against the Springboks, one of the most respected and successful teams in world rugby.
“The Springboks have set the benchmark in world rugby, and our players relish every opportunity to test themselves against the very best. This fixture is about more than a rugby match. It is about inspiring our people, engaging our global Fijian community and continuing to showcase the unique style, spirit and talent that Fiji brings to the world game.
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“We are grateful to our partners for helping bring this event to life and for providing a platform that celebrates international rugby while strengthening the connection between our two proud rugby nations. We know there is a strong Fijian community across Australia and we look forward to seeing our supporters turn out in force to support the Flying Fijians in Gosford.
“This match will provide valuable high-performance preparation as we continue to build towards the Rugby World Cup and our long-term objectives, while also creating a memorable occasion for rugby fans to witness two passionate rugby cultures come together in what promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining contest.”
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