The All Blacks will open their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign with a plum match against the Springboks and could face a semifinal with Eddie Jones' England as they strive to become the first team to win three successive titles.
Steve Hansen's team - ranked number one in the world in 2017 - is in Pool B with South African (ranked 5), Italy (14), the Africa 1 qualifier and the repechage winner.
The draw was made at 8pm on Thursday, with the All Blacks getting the dream first round matchup with the Springboks at Kanagawa Yokohama Stadium - with a 72,327 capacity - on Saturday, September 21, at 6.45pm (local time).
It will be the second, consecutive World Cup tournament where the All Blacks have faced their toughest pool opponent in the first game - they played Argentina (World Cup semifinalists) in 2015. Traditionally, they have drawn second tier nations such as Italy (3 times), Tonga (twice) and the United States in the tournament opener.
All Blacks 2019 Rugby World Cup Schedule
21 Sep All Blacks vs South Africa Yokohama 9:45 PM
02 Oct All Blacks v Canada Oita Prefecture 11:15 PM
06 Oct All Blacks v Namibia Tokyo 5:45 PM
12 Oct All Blacks v Italy Toyota Stadium 5:45 PM
21 Sep All Blacks vs South Africa Yokohama 9:45 PM
02 Oct All Blacks v Canada Oita Prefecture 11:15 PM
06 Oct All Blacks v Namibia Tokyo 5:45 PM
12 Oct All Blacks v Italy Toyota Stadium 5:45 PM
