Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Richie McCaw has expressed his support for arch-rivals Australia, believing they have the potential to spring a major surprise in France.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has claimed that he will be leaving the side after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin says tournament organisers are well prepared to deal with any protests or safety threats at the World Cup in France.
The Springbok team management are confident that captain Siya Kolisi will have recovered fully from his injury in time to play a leading role in their World Cup defence in France in four months.
Faf de Klerk says the Springboks are determined to "prove the world wrong" by retaining their Rugby World Cup title in France later this year.
The Springboks will assemble in Durban in May for two preparation camps with the purpose of getting their on-and-off-field structures in place for the 2023 international season.