South Africa’s route to a historic third successive Rugby World Cup title has been mapped out following the draw for the 2027 tournament in Australia.
The Springboks, who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and 2023, have been handed a favourable pool on paper as they target an unprecedented World Cup hat-trick.
However, Rassie Erasmus’ side could face some of rugby’s biggest nations in the knockout stages. Here, we break down the Springboks’ potential route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, from the pool stage through to the showpiece.
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Pool stage draw
South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.
It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia's physical approach and Romania's powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.
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Round of 16
The Springboks are currently projected to face the runner-up from Pool E, which is likely to be Japan or the USA depending on how that group develops.
Either side would be viewed as a manageable opponent, although South Africa will not have forgotten their famous defeat to Japan in 2015. They should still be expected to progress comfortably.
Quarter-finals
A quarter-final against one of the leading Tier 1 nations appears most likely, with New Zealand or Australia the probable opponents. England are an outside possibility, but that would require them to finish third in their pool, making that scenario unlikely.
Pool A is expected to be won by either New Zealand or Australia. While the All Blacks look stronger on paper, Australia will benefit from home advantage. Whoever emerges will provide South Africa's first major challenge of the tournament.
Semi-finals
The most likely opponents would come from the top half of Pool E, with France, Ireland, Argentina and Scotland all potential contenders. If results go as expected, France are the team most likely to reach this stage.
Although Les Bleus have occasionally found southern hemisphere opposition difficult, their world class talent makes them one of the strongest teams in the competition and a serious obstacle.
Final
England are the most likely opponents if South Africa reach the final, although New Zealand cannot be ruled out. England, Ireland and Argentina all appear well placed to come through the opposite side of the draw.
If the All Blacks fail to win their pool, they would also only be able to face the Springboks in the final.
Predicted Springboks World Cup route:
Pool Stage: 1st
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England
2027 World Cup Draw
Pool A
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Chile
- Hong Kong
Pool B
- South Africa
- Italy
- Georgia
- Romania
Pool C
- Argentina
- Fiji
- Spain
- Canada
Pool D
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Uruguay
- Portugal
Pool E
- France
- Japan
- USA
- Samoa
Pool F
- England
- Wales
- Tonga
- Zimbabwe
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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