South Africa to face Fiji before 2027 Rugby World Cup

South Africa will face Fiji in their final warm-up Test before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the two sides set to meet at polytec Stadium in Gosford on Australia’s Central Coast on September 18.

Springboks confirm Fiji World Cup warm-up

The Test will take place just over two weeks before the defending champions begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Italy at Adelaide Oval on October 3.

South Africa will head into the tournament seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup title after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and 2023.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus expects Fiji to provide a demanding final examination before his squad enters the tournament.

“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,” Erasmus said.

South Africa and Fiji renew Test rivalry

The September encounter will be only the fourth Test between South Africa and Fiji, with the Springboks having won each of their previous three meetings.

Their most recent clash came during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, when South Africa recorded a 49-3 victory in Wellington.

The teams first met in Pretoria in 1996, when South Africa won 43-18, before the Springboks claimed a 37-20 victory in their 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Marseille.

Springboks and Fiji prepare for World Cup pools

South Africa have been drawn alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania in Pool B of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Fiji will compete in Pool C and begin their campaign against Spain in Newcastle on October 4 before facing Canada in Adelaide and Argentina in their final pool match.