 took over the team in 2018, there was limited time to prepare for that World Cup. We had 18 test matches,' he said. 'This time round we have had four years, even if one was taken away by COVID. Our main aim has been to get as much squad depth as we can, because we have always said that defending the World Cup takes a squad effort.' The other three teams in Pool B are Ireland, Tonga and Romania. When is it? Kick-off is at 4.45pm UK time on Sunday, September 10. That's 5.45pm local time in France, and 5.45pm in South Africa. South Africa v Scotland is the seventh match of the tournament, and the second game being played on the opening Sunday. For a full list of fixtures, see our dedicated guide to the 2023 World Cup . You can also download our wallchart and sweepstake kit . Where is it? This is the second match of the tournament at Stade de Marseille (as it has been renamed for the World Cup). To most people is is still the Stade Velodrome. England's opening match of the tourname){kind=link}
This is one of the key fixtures in Pool B, but Scotland have lost to South Africa in both their previous World Cup meetings
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber says his side are better placed now to win than when they lifted the trophy in Japan four years ago.
South Africa’s stock rose on the back of a thumping 35-7 warm-up win over New Zealand in neutral London last week, a record defeat for the All Blacks, but Nienaber says his team are not thinking about anything beyond their opening match against Scotland.
“All our preparation has been about Scotland and nothing else,” Nienaber said. “They are a very fit team and that is why they can play the game until the 85th minute. It is probably one of their big strengths.
“They also have a solid set-piece. To play with the amount of possession they have, with the rhythm they get and ability to run the ball wide, you need a very good set-piece.”