SCOTS FACE REIGNING CHAMPS SPRINGBOKS IN WORLD CUP OPENER

SCOTLAND have been handed the toughest of openers at the 2023 Rugby World Cup when they face world champions South Africa in Bordeaux.

The tournament fixture list announced yesterday has also handed Gregor Townsend’s men a potential qualification decider in their final pool game against Ireland.

But first they face a monumental task against the Springboks on September 10.

That is followed by a two-week break before they take on the winner of the Asia/Pacific 1 qualifier in Nice on September 24 and then the European 2 qualifier in Lille on September 30.

If Pool B goes according to current form, the second qualifying spot will be fought out between Scotland and the Irish in a winner-takes-all match at the Stade de France on October 7.

If Scotland win their group they will face the runners-up of Pool A, which includes hosts France and New Zealand, at the Stade de France on October 20. If they finish runners-up they take on the winners of Pool A at the same venue but a day later.

The semi-final on Scotland’s side of the draw will be played at the Stade de France on October 20, with the final on October 28.

Townsend said: ‘It’s great to have the fixtures announced, meaning that the tournament is edging closer. It doesn’t get a more exciting challenge than facing the world champions in your opening game but it is an opportunity I know our players will be keen to embrace.

‘I have no doubt our fans and players will also relish the chance to be part of matches in some impressive stadiums across France, which all adds to the World Cup experience.

‘We of course played Ireland in the last World Cup in Japan and the two sides know each other pretty well from our Guinness Six Nations encounters.

‘Whoever qualifies for the remaining two qualification spots in Pool B will have quality and we know that to win World Cup matches you have to be playing your best rugby throughout the duration of the competition.’ RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 SCOTLAND’S POOL B FIXTURES: v South Africa: Sunday, September 10 (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille) v Asia/Pacific 1: Sunday, September 24 (Stade de Nice, Nice) v Europe 2: Saturday, September 30 (Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille) v Ireland: Saturday, October 7 (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)