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.”

Nienaber believes South Africa are better placed for success then four years ago, with a longer preparation time for this tournament and a massively improved squad depth.

“When we (Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus) 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 tournament is in the same stadium on the Saturday. 

How to watch on TV

In the UK, ITV are broadcasting every match of the tournament. This one is on ITV1. In South Africa, the match will be shown on SuperSport. 

You can read our comprehensive guide to the TV and radio coverage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including our run-down of the 12 best commentators and pundits working in the sport.

Who is the referee?

Angus Gardner, the Australian, takes charge of this one. Gardner was recently in charge for South Africa’s win over England at Twickenham, sending off Thomas du Toit, as well as Scotland’s Six Nations victory against Italy.

What’s the head-to-head record?

South Africa have not beaten the Springboks since the 2010 Autumn Internationals, when they won 21-17 at Murrayfield. In the seven matches since, South Africa have won every time. The most recent meeting was in 2021, when the visitors ran out 30-15 victors in Edinburgh. 

The overall record between the teams is 23-5 in South Africa’s favour, including the two times they have previously met at a World Cup. 

The South Africa squad

Forwards

Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert.

Backs

Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie.

The Scotland squad

Forwards 

Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Dave Cherry, Luke Crosbie, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie (c), Pierre Schoeman, Javan Sebastian, Sam Skinner, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Hamish Watson.

Backs

Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn, Chris Harris, Ben Healy, George Horne, Huw Jones, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Finn Russell, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

What are the odds?

• South Africa to win 1/5
• Scotland to win 7/2
• Draw 33/1