Bok coach: '500-day mark to the Rugby World Cup serves as a real reality check'

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber says preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup has commenced as they prepare for their title defence in France.

Tuesday marked 500 days to go to the start of next year's Rugby World Cup, with the Bok mentor already excited.

South Africa will contest Pool B alongside Ireland, Scotland and Spain, as well as a yet-to-be-determined qualifying team.

Nienaber, who served as assistant coach in the triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan, said the milestone date sparked great excitement.

"We have been counting down days for a while now, but the 500-day mark to the Rugby World Cup serves as a real reality check from a preparation perspective," said Nienaber.

"We have a limited number of Test matches lined up before the international spectacle and we need to ensure that we make the most of each one of them and learn as many lessons as possible so that we can get the necessary structures and systems in place before we leave for France."

The Springboks will be based in Toulon for most of the pool phase of the competition and Nienaber highlighted the significance of getting their structures in place.

"Toulon is a beautiful city with world-class facilities but there is also enough for the players to enjoy when they have time off, which will be vital to create the mental balance needed in order for them to perform optimally," said Nienaber.

"Next year will be the first time we face Ireland in the Rugby World Cup, while we faced Scotland in England in 2015 and way back in 1999 when we were also in the same group as Spain, and we are looking forward to it as a group."

The Springboks will get their 2022 season underway when they face Wales in three Tests from 2-16 July.

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