Rugby World Cup 2027 Groups
Group A
Australia (hosts) | New Zealand | Chile | Hong Kong China
Group B
South Africa | Italy | Georgia | Romania
Group C
Argentina | Fiji | Spain | Canada
Group D
Ireland | Scotland | Uruguay | Portugal
Group E
France | Japan | USA | Samoa
Group F
England | Wales | Tonga | Zimbabwe
I think Group C is the most wide open group. Any team from the group can qualify for round of 16.
Group F is the most tricky group. A slip-up against Tonga could see either England or Wales miss the next round.
Canada have been quite bad for a few years now, so Iâd be surprised.
Agree on Group F - Wales at an all-time low, Tonga will smell blood if this remains.
Unfortunately the change to 24 teams has thrown up an awful format, with little jeopardy in the pool stages given just eight teams will be discarded before the knockouts (compared to 12 of 20 in the previous format of 20 teams).
They could always do one of those bad cricket formats and have a âfirst roundâ thatâs just 2 groups of 4 out of the bottom 8 to then fill a spot in 4 groups of 5.
After losing to New Zealand in the Dubai SVNS final, the Australian womenâs team gained revenge by beating the Kiwis 26-12 in the Cape Town decider on Sunday.
I saw some commentary in the context of R360 about just how loss making the Sevens tournament is as a travelling carnival model - presumably propped up only by the investment that Olympic Rugby 7s generates for the sport.
I wonder if they will pull back from the rotating rounds and just have a standard host city format - Dubai one week and Cape Town the next seems like itâs not in anyoneâs interest.
I think the annual Hong Kong Sevens is the only one which makes money.
The eight venues which will be used for the 2027 Rugby World Cup were confirmed today.
As reported previously, the MCG has missed out, with all Melbourne matches to be played at Marvel Stadium (to be called Docklands Stadium during the tournament).
The Age and SMH reported previously that the MCGâs availability could not be guaranteed in October 2027, due to an exclusive clause in a multi-year deal between the Victorian government and the National Football League (NFL).
Something we missed in the past couple of weeks was the sacking of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
Interesting tournament opener to say the least.
The Hong Kong rugby union team will be thrown into the worldâs spotlight.
Australia fell short in the SVNS series leg in Perth today. The womenâs team lost to New Zealand 7-29 in the final. The menâs team was defeated by South Africa 28-12 in the semi final, before beating NZ 12-10 in the third place match.
South Africa went on to claim the menâs title with a narrow 21-19 victory over Fiji.
Super Rugby Pacific 2026 season starts tonight, celebrating 30 years.
Tonight:
- Highlanders v Crusaders | KO: 5:05pm AEDT | 7:05pm NZDT
- Waratahs v Reds | KO: 7:35pm AEDT
Tomorrow:
- Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika | KO: 4:35pm NZDT
- Blues v Chiefs | KO: 5:05pm AEDT | 7:05pm NZDT
- Force v Brumbies | KO: 7:35pm AEDT
Highlanders get a rare win over the defending champions Crusaders to kick off the season.
FT: Highlanders 25 - Crusaders 23.
The Waratahs did something, accounting for the Reds 36-12 at Allianz Stadium tonight.
I knowâŚi was there. 
Reds kept it close but we got over them in the end. Jorgenson did well.
Weâre seeing extremely high demand for #RWC2027 tickets right now. A queue system is in place to allow a fair and secure purchasing experience for all. Thank you for your patience.
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High demand has left many stuck, prompting frustrations from supporters like Andrew Portbury questioning their position and Christy Doran calling it a disaster, while UK fans endured 2 a.m. waits. Officials note the queue ensures fairness and security, with the presale open until March 4 and no scalping risks, testing fansâ patience ahead of the event.
The Australia vs South Africa clash on September 27 will be at the same time as a likely NRL Preliminary Final providing they keep a Sunday arvo prelim as with last season
Should be on the Saturday night at 5:45pm AWST