BOKS, TJOPS & DOPS: Road to Rugby World Cup 2023: Why Twickenham Test is a game changer

A monumental clash is on the horizon as the New Zealand All Blacks face South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, 25 August 2023. This match is set to be a crucial preparatory event for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which is commencing just two weeks later in Paris​​.

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This electrifying test match will be just the second time these long-standing rivals have faced off at England’s home of rugby. The first encounter was during the tense 20-18 semi-final win by the All Blacks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. This time around, the stakes are equally high.

COACHES WEIGH IN ON TWICKENHAM TEST

All Blacks head coach, Ian Foster, recognises the importance of this match, stating: “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.”

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Springbok head coach, Jacques Nienaber, shares a similar sentiment. He voiced his excitement for the upcoming fixture and acknowledged the sizeable Springbok supporter base in London, who he hopes will provide a much-needed boost for the team’s efforts to defend their World Cup title​.

ANTICIPATION MOUNTS FOR TWICKENHAM TEST

The All Blacks and Springboks share one of the most closely contested rivalries in rugby, recently demonstrated in the Rugby Championship where the honours were evenly split. The upcoming match at Twickenham is expected to be a coveted ticket for rugby fans eager to witness these powerhouses compete on the eve of the Rugby World Cup​​.

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South African Rugby director, Rassie Erasmus, spoke to the anticipation surrounding the match, saying: “The Springboks and All Blacks share one of the greatest rivalries in rugby, and to face them at Twickenham will be an exciting experience for the players and our fans. I have no doubt it is going to be an epic encounter​.”

MORE THAN JUST A MATCH

Rugby Football Union CEO, Bill Sweeney, is also looking forward to welcoming the teams. He noted that the sizeable communities in London from both nations are sure to contribute to an electric atmosphere at Twickenham Stadium​​.

The Twickenham Test stands as a crucial milestone for both teams. It’s more than just a match – it’s a statement, a demonstration, and a prelude to the main event. As the anticipation mounts, one thing is clear: this game is a game-changer.

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Original article by Luke Menezies