Quarter-final: New Zealand
This is where things could get brutal.
If New Zealand win Pool A and South Africa win Pool B, then both successfully navigate the round of 16, the Springboks and All Blacks will meet in the quarter-finals.
That would be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final — only this time one of rugby’s two superpowers would be eliminated in the last eight.
Semi-final: France
Should the Springboks overcome New Zealand, France are projected as their most likely semi-final opponents.
Les Bleus have been drawn alongside Japan, USA and Samoa and sit on the same side of the knockout bracket as South Africa and New Zealand.
Final: England
Come through all of that and England are currently the projected opponent in the final.
Steve Borthwick’s men have been handed a route through the opposite side of the bracket, beginning with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool F.
If the leading seeds all progress as expected, South Africa’s path to an unprecedented third successive title would therefore look like:
Pool: Italy, Georgia, Romania
Round of 16: Third-placed qualifier
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England
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!
