The Springboks will arrive in Japan for the World Cup a week earlier than previously planned next year to play the tournament hosts in a warm-up match in Saitama, South Africa Rugby said on Monday.

FILE PHOTO: South Africa Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa's Springboks v Argentina - Kings Park Stadium, Durban, South Africa - August 18, 2018. South Africa's Andre Esterhuizen takes a high ball. REUTERS/Rogan Ward