The full draw for the Rugby World Cup 2027 has delivered an ideal opening path for the New Zealand national rugby union team, with the three-time champions avoiding many of the tournament’s biggest threats in the early stages.
New Zealand’s favourable pool assignment has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, with the All Blacks appearing well placed to build momentum from the outset as they chase a fourth world title in Australia.
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Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
- 1 October 2027 — Australia vs Hong Kong China
Perth Stadium, Perth - 2 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Chile
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney - 9 October 2027 — Chile vs Hong Kong China
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 15 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Hong Kong China
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Australia vs Chile
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
