Rugby World Cup 2027: Pool stage story-lines as Australia & All Blacks clash in group for first time

Remarkably, the trans-Tasman giants have not faced each other at a World Cup since the 2015 final, won 34–17 by the All Blacks. They are joined by Chile and debutants Hong Kong China, who become the 27th nation to appear at a men’s Rugby World Cup. Chile have only ever met Hong Kong China before, splitting their two-test history.

In Pool B, defending back-to-back champions South Africa are grouped with Italy, Georgia and Romania, marking the second successive tournament in which the Springboks will face three European opponents. Georgia face South Africa for the first time since their 2003 debut, while Italy renew their World Cup rivalry with the Boks after their 49–3 defeat in 2019.

Pool C brings a rare reunion as Argentina and Fiji meet in a World Cup pool for the first time since the very first edition of the competition, all the way back in 1987. Neither Canada nor Spain have faced Los Pumas at the tournament before, while Spain enter fresh from a narrow 41–33 loss to Fiji in Malaga.

In Pool D, Ireland and Scotland collide for the third tournament in a row, with Ireland having won their 2019 and 2023 encounters. Ireland have never faced Portugal or Uruguay at a World Cup, though their record 106–7 win over Portugal all the more implications for the underdogs to make amends.

Pool E sees France drawn with Japan, USA and Samoa, with Japan and Samoa paired together for a remarkable fourth straight tournament. France also renew World Cup rivalries with both Japan and USA.

Finally, Pool F features England, Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe. England famously lost their 2015 pool match to Wales and will renew battle again. The defeat to their Six Nations rivals was paramount towards England's 2015 pool stage elimination, and in doing so became the first Tier One or Host Nation to suffer the embarrassing exit. Tonga bring history too, as England hit triple figures against them in 1999 – while Zimbabwe are set to face all three opponents for the first time at a Rugby World Cup.