On Sunday, South Africa begins its title defense at the Rugby World Cup.
Back in 2019, the South Africans won the Rugby World Cup for a record-tying third time in Japan, thanks to a swarming defense, a solid kicking game, and a dominant set-piece.
They are now looking to introduce a more open approach with new flyhalf Manie Libbok as they begin their season against Scotland.
It’s one of three games on Day 3, with Fiji trying to cement its reputation as a potential surprise package against Wales. Chile will play Japan in its Rugby World Cup debut.
SCOTLAND vs. SOUTH AFRICA (South Africa leads the series 23-5 overall and 2-0 in the RWC.)
If the Boks are to match their forward strength with style in the back division, Libbok will be in charge from flyhalf. He is the squad’s lone specialist No. 10 and relies on instinct more than any other Springboks playmaker in recent memory.
Scotland’s Finn Russell is a flyhalf in a similar mold and one of the most entertaining players in the northern hemisphere, so the fight of the No. 10s in a Pool B encounter between teams ranked in the top five might be interesting to watch. South Africa is ranked second, and Scotland is ranked fifth.
On Sunday, South Africa begins its title defense at the Rugby World Cup.
“It’s the biggest opportunity you’ll get, playing the world champions in a World Cup game,” Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said. “We believe we have been constructing for our best performance.”
“Really, this is where our players will have to deliver on what they’ve been delivering in training and in the other games we’ve played this year.”
It’s the second high-level north versus. South battle of the tournament, following host France’s opening-night victory over New Zealand.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, who led the Springboks to victory in Japan four years ago, will lead the defending champions out for the first time this season and may treasure the opportunity more than most.
When the flanker underwent surgery on a major knee injury in late April, questions were raised about his availability for the World Cup. Kolisi last played in a competitive match against Wales last month and also played in South Africa’s 35-7 win over New Zealand in its last warmup.
“I will never forget, when we won in Japan, it was special, it felt great,” Kolisi added. “However, when we landed in Johannesburg, I got goosebumps.” That’s the first time I’ve seen anything like it. The airport was in an emergency since everyone had left their workstations to meet us.
“That’s the kind of energy that drives us, the kind of energy that reminds us who we’re doing this for and why we’re doing it.”
On Sunday, South Africa begins its title defense at the Rugby World Cup.
WALES vs. FIJI (Wales leads overall 11-1-1, 3-1 in the RWC)
Fiji may have never been so well prepared for a Rugby World Cup.
Normally handicapped by underfunding, a lack of squad depth and top-level competitive matchups, or a tournament calendar that rarely benefits tier-two nations, Fiji’s class of 2023 is poised to present a true test for the pool’s two big powers, Wales and Australia. Some have even suggested that an improved Fiji is the favorite to beat the Welsh in Bordeaux on Sunday.
Wales reached the semifinals in 2011 and 2019.
“When will we ever be considered favorites as a developing country versus a developed country?” “Resources and stuff like that,” Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui remarked. “We’re confident in our preparation and our group.” We never go in thinking we’re the favorites. We’re modest.”
This is a classic World Cup match, with the teams meeting in pool play in every iteration since the 2007 World Cup in France, when Fiji defeated Wales 38-34 in Nantes with a late try by prop Graham Dewes to advance and knock out the Welsh.
That was Fiji’s last appearance in the quarterfinals. It has never progressed further.
Fiji has risen to No. 7 in the world rankings, three places higher than Wales, led by Warren Gatland, since his return to the team in November. He is coaching in his sixth World Cup, a record for a coach.
On Sunday, South Africa begins its title defense at the Rugby World Cup.
CHILE vs. JAPAN (First Meeting)
Chile is the sole World Cup rookie in this edition, having defeated Canada and the United States in qualification, and is expected to struggle, having lost all seven of its matches since qualifying in July last year.
The South American team needs more international experience, with only three players on the matchday squad versus Japan having played club rugby outside of Chile.
“Of course, there will be new things for us, like stadiums full of people screaming, and we are preparing for that situation,” Chile fullback Iaki Ayarza said. “We’re on our way to competing at the highest level possible.”
The Japanese were once considered easygoing, but that is no longer the case. They made the quarterfinals for the first time on home soil in 2019 and are likely to keep Argentina and England at bay in Pool D.
Kanji Shimokawa, who has played fewer than 80 minutes of test rugby, gets his first start for Japan in Toulouse.
SOURCE – (AP)
