South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures, Odds & Squad

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 19 Jul 2023

Ralph Staniforth 19 Jul 2023

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South Africa are the defending World Cup champions
The Springboks are in Pool B alongside Ireland, Scotland, Tonga and Romania
Pool B is known as the group of death

Expired

South Africa will be looking to defend their World Cup trophy in 2023 (Getty Images)

South Africa 2023 Rugby World Cup Fixtures

The defending champions have their work cut out this year having been dealt a blow by being placed in the group of death. They open up their campaign on 10 September against a Scotland side that have fared well over recent years.

South Africa 2023 Rugby World Cup Fixtures
South Africa 2023 Rugby World Cup Odds
South Africa Rugby World Cup History

That opening match is followed by a clash against Romania, a match the Springboks should win with ease. Another massive clash follows against world No.1 side, Ireland before closing out the group stage against the physical and unpredictable Tonga.

It is hard to argue that the top two spots will be filled by two of South Africa, Scotland and Ireland. It should be a very interesting battle between those three and definitely the group to watch out for early on.

Date	Fixture	Venue
10 Sept 2023	South Africa vs Scotland	Stade de Marseille
17 Sept 2023	South Africa vs Romania	Stade de Bordeaux
23 Sept 2023	South Africa vs Ireland	Stade de France
1 Oct 2023	South Africa vs Tonga	Stade de Marseille

South Africa 2023 Rugby World Cup Odds

South Africa go into the 2023 World Cup as defending champions after beating England 32-12 in Tokyo in the 2019 final. While their results have been somewhat inconsistent over the last two years, the Springboks remain a huge threat and one of the top sides in the world.

The defending champs are priced as fifth favourites to win the tournament with bet.co.za with enticing odds of 5.50.

South Africa Rugby World Cup History

South Africa have won three Rugby World Cup titles, only matched by New Zealand. However, the Springboks have done it in two less World Cup appearances, having been banned from international sport for the 1987 and 1991 competitions.

The Springboks earliest exits from the tournament has come at the quarter-final stage (twice in 2003 & 2011). Other than 2003, the Springboks have almost always gone into the tournament as one of the favourites for the title.

Year	Round of Exit	World Cup Winner
1995	Champions	South Africa
1999	Semi-Final	Australia
2003	Quarter-Final	England
2007	Champions	South Africa
2011	Quarter-Final	New Zealand
2015	Semi-Final	New Zealand
2019	Champions	South Africa
2023	TBC	TBC

South Africa Rugby World Cup Squad

South Africa have yet to name their Rugby World Cup squad. That should take place much closer to the tournament as they still have a Rugby Championship to play before then.