Rugby World Cup 2019 – Japan

On Saturday, September 21 from 11:45 the streets and roads of Toti will be quieter than usual…

One of the most-famous and prestigious sports events on the planet will be taking place – a rugby Test match between New Zealand and South Africa.

The opening match of the tournament, between hosts Japan and Russia, will take place at 12:45 the previous day at the Tokyo Stadium. The World Cup will be played from September 20 to November 2.

Twenty countries will compete in four pools of five teams each. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals. South Africa has won the World Cup twice. The first was in 1995 when the Nelson Mandela-inspired Springboks beat New Zealand 15-12 in extra time at Ellis Park. In 2007 South Africa beat England 15-6 at Stade de France in Paris. The All Blacks are the defending champions having won in 2015. They also won in 2011 and claimed the first ever World Cup in 1987. New Zealand are the only country to win the William Web Ellis Trophy three times. Australia have won it twice, in 1991 and 2003. Only four countries have won the World Cup, the other, the only Northern Hemisphere country to ever win, was England. This year South Africa will compete in Pool, B with New Zealand, Italy, Canada and Namibia. South Africa’s other pool matches will be on September 28 against Namibia, October 4 versus Canada and October 8 against Canada.

Japan is seven hours ahead of South Africa, meaning that kick-off times for television viewers will range from 06:45 to 12:45 (see elsewhere for kick-off times of specific matches). Most of us will be watching at home, with family and friends, or at establishments which serve all-morning breakfasts and various warm and cold beverages.

There is something special about watching the Boks play, but it is more special when the play for the title of greatest rugby team on the planet.

If 43 million South Africans could win the World Cup in 1995, 58 million can win it in 2019.