File
The Springboks will start the defence of the Webb Ellis Cup crown in Pool B against Ireland and Scotland when the next Rugby World Cup kicks off in France in 2023.
SA Rugby said as the defending champions and number one ranked team in the world, South Africa are one of five teams in Pool B for the 2023 tournament, along with two more qualifying teams, from the Asia/Pacific qualifier, and Europe.
The Pool Allocation Draw was completed in Paris on Monday, and broadcast across the world with all teams participating virtually.
The Springboks have never been drawn in a RWC pool with Ireland and will be defending a proud history as they have only lost three pool matches in seven tournaments, against England (2003), Japan (2015) and New Zealand (2019).
The Boks have twice been in the same pool as Scotland, in 1999 and 2015. Since their first RWC participation in 1995, the Springboks have played 43 RWC games, winning 36 and losing seven. That winning tally, including three RWC Final triumphs, give the Springboks an impressive win percentage of 83.72%.
“We are obviously excited about the draw today, and although the Rugby World Cup in France is still almost three years away, it’s good to have an end-goal to work towards,” said Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber.
“To be in the same pool as Ireland and Scotland will be a massive challenge, but to win the tournament, you have to be able to beat all the teams and we will be properly tested in the pool phases.
Siya Kolisi took part in the event along with Nienaber, and the Springbok captain said the draw heralded a significant marker for them to aim at.
“It’s exciting, really, to know who your RWC pool opponents will be for the 2023 tournament in France,” said Kolisi.
