WRAP | Rugby World Cup 2027 draw

Hosts Australia face a blockbuster group clash with New Zealand at the 2027 Rugby World Cup as holders South Africa were pitted with Italy in the draw in Sydney on Wednesday.

The four-time champion Springboks will also play Georgia and Romania in Pool B at the six-week global showpiece from October 1-November 13 featuring a bumper 24 teams and 52 games.

The Boks are favourites to win a third straight title after an exceptional 2025.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was satisfied with the pool draw as they continue to put the building blocks in place to stake a claim for a possible third RWC title in a row.

“We are pleased with the pool we have been drawn in, but this is a World Cup, and every team will go out there with great passion and do their utmost to represent their nations with pride.

“There have been surprises in the tournament before, so we’ll need to be up mentally and physically for every match," he said.

Erasmus added: “Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but they showed us what they are capable of when they hit their straps earlier this season, even though the scorelines may not have reflected that.

“Georgia and Romania are also extremely physical and passionate teams, and we’ve faced them before, so we know how tough they can be on the day if we give them space and opportunities to play to their potential.”

Pools for the 2027 men's Rugby World Cup in Australia following the draw on Wednesday in Sydney:

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

AFP