Updated at 12.23
RUGBY UNION superpowers South Africa and New Zealand will meet at Twickenham for a warm-up match ahead of next year’s World Cup, it was announced on Monday.
The arch-rivals will face each other at English rugby’s headquarters in southwest London on 25 August, just two weeks before the All Blacks launch the 2023 World Cup against tournament hosts France in Paris.
New Zealand and South Africa last met at Twickenham in the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup, with the All Blacks winning 20-18 before going on to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.
But it is South Africa who are the reigning world champions after the Springboks pummelled England 32-12 in the 2019 final in Yokohama.
In a joint New Zealand and South Africa statement, Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, said: “We’re excited to play this vital fixture before the Rugby World Cup at the iconic Twickenham.”
Nienaber, whose side begin their title defence against Scotland in Marseille on 10 September, added: “There is a large contingent of passionate expats and Springbok supporters in London, and we have no doubt they will come out in numbers and give us a lift before we attempt to defend our World Cup crown.”
All Blacks counterpart Ian Foster said: “This match will form an important part of our preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
“Matches against the Springboks are always hard-fought and we are expecting nothing less than a titanic battle on this unique occasion.”
Meanwhile, veteran lock forward Brodie Retallick shrugged off disruption to the start of the All Blacks’ northern hemisphere tour as Leicester Fainga’anuku on Monday became the seventh player to leave the squad.
The three Barrett brothers, Scott, Jordie and Beauden, were among six New Zealand players who did not board the plane to Japan on Saturday after their grandmother died.
Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan and Folau Fakatava were also left at home because of injury, and back Fainga’anuku returned to New Zealand on Monday for family reasons.
The All Blacks called up four players as cover on Saturday and assistant coach Scott McLeod said selectors were weighing up a replacement for Fainga’anuku.
Retallick said the team had “probably lost more players in the space of 24 hours than you do in a series of Test matches”.
“That’s life, and the boys that have come in for them are now on the ground and here, and we had our first training session today,” said Retallick, who will win his 99th cap if he plays against Japan in Tokyo in the All Blacks’ tour opener on Saturday.
“Although there is a lot of experience with the people not here, the boys that are here are just as eager and ready for an opportunity.”
The All Blacks will travel on to Europe after the Japan clash to face Wales, Scotland and England on successive Saturdays.
McLeod said the Barrett brothers were expected to rejoin the squad on Thursday but it would be “too late for selection” against Japan.
Lock Whitelock and winger Jordan have both developed inner ear conditions and it is unclear when they will be fit to play.
Scrum-half Fakatava was ruled out of the tour with knee damage suffered in training last week.
The All Blacks have not played since thrashing Australia 40-14 a month ago to win the Rugby Championship.
Japan have played three matches against Australia A in recent weeks and Retallick said the All Blacks would have to be careful against a side who have “knocked off some big teams”.
“There’s a real edge around camp that we’re obviously refreshed from having a break but we’re also very conscious that we need to carry on where we finished the Rugby Championship against Australia here in Japan, and then as we move on to Europe,” he said.
The All Blacks are looking to continue their momentum after a strong finish to the Rugby Championship.
The celebrations after winning the title were a huge contrast to the start of the competition when New Zealand were beaten 26-10 in South Africa, after losing a home series to Ireland, their fifth defeat in six Tests.
Retallick said the team’s poor run of form was “a real wake-up call”.
“We fully understand that coming to Japan this week before we go off to Europe is going to be another massive challenge, because we did lose a few games up there at the end of last year,” he said.
“Now we feel we’re heading in the right direction, we just need to carry on and keep doing it week in, week out.”
