Rugby-South Africa to face Fiji in final 2027 Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture

South Africa will take ​on Fiji at the ​Central Coast Stadium ‌north of ​Sydney in a final warm-up fixture ahead of the 2027 Rugby World ‌Cup, officials said on Friday. The Springboks, who are chasing a third straight World Cup title, will play the Fijians on ‌September 18 next year before their tournament opener ‌against Italy in Adelaide on October 3.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said Fiji would present a tough test for his side. “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,” he added.

South Africa and Fiji have met on ⁠three ​previous occasions with the Springboks winning all three. Their last meeting was at the 2011 World Cup. The ⁠Springboks also have Georgia and Romania in Pool B at ⁠the World ⁠Cup, while Fiji open their campaign against Spain in Newcastle and later meet Canada ‌and ‌Argentina.