"The host nation Australia will face their traditional rivals New Zealand at the men's Rugby World Cup in 2027 after the draw was made in Sydney on Wednesday. The Wallabies, hosting a second men's tournament, were guaranteed to face a top-ranked nation in Pool A due to a current world ranking of seventh, and the renewal of their fierce rivalry with the All Blacks is perhaps the most appetising possible outcome from the draw."
"South Africa, ranked No 1 in the world and champions at the past two editions of the men's tournament, have been drawn in Pool B against Italy, Georgia and Romania. Rassie Erasmus's powerful team are widely backed to win a third straight title in Australia. Ireland and Scotland, meanwhile, have been thrown together again. The Celtic nations met in Paris at the 2023 edition and at the 2019 tournament in Japan before that."
Australia, as host, will meet New Zealand in Pool A alongside Chile and debutants Hong Kong, with a possible Bledisloe Cup opening match on 1 October 2027 in Perth. South Africa, world No.1 and two-time defending champions, occupy Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania and are favoured for a third consecutive title. Argentina, Fiji, Spain and Canada form Pool C. Ireland and Scotland are reunited in Pool D with Uruguay and Portugal. France, Japan, USA and Samoa are in Pool E. England face Wales in Pool F, joined by Tonga and Zimbabwe.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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