All Blacks ready to face Springboks in potential 2027 World Cup blockbuster quarter-final

The All Blacks say they will welcome the challenge of facing the Springboks in a potential 2027 Rugby World Cup quarter-final — an outcome that is becoming increasingly likely as the tournament picture begins to take shape.

While the prospect of the world’s two top-ranked teams meeting so early in the knockouts is far from ideal for most southern hemisphere supporters, it is a scenario both nations may ultimately need to prepare for when they head to Australia in 2027.

Traditionally, fans have hoped to see these two giants of world rugby collide on the grandest possible stage: a World Cup final. Their most recent final in 2023 in France was nothing short of an iconic and epic clash.

But with the current draw and global rankings taken into account, the All Blacks and Springboks appear to be on an unavoidable collision course in Australia in just under two years.

Before that, however, the rivalry will receive an intriguing warm-up with no less than six Tests scheduled before the tournament.

The two sides are set to contest Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, a special series featuring four Test matches — three hosted in South Africa and one at a neutral venue. The tour is expected to be a high-intensity dress rehearsal for what could become the most anticipated quarter-final in Rugby World Cup history.

Still, much must happen before the matchup becomes a reality. Both teams will need to top their respective pools to meet in the quarter-finals.

The Springboks have been drawn into what many consider a favourable group alongside Italy, Georgia, and Romania. The All Blacks face a more varied challenge with hosts Australia, Hong Kong China, and Chile standing between them and a clean sweep of pool play.

Despite the high stakes and the unusual prospect of such a heavyweight contest happening so early in the knockout rounds, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is embracing the scenario.

Speaking about the permutations, Robertson kept his message simple: “We will embrace it.”

“We knew if Pool A and B got together, there was one of the scenarios where you would get them. Or if you come second, then it is England. We had a look at that, and you think we have faced South Africa a lot of times, and it is just another crack at it.

“But if you come into the World Cup, you have to face a team in their form to win the title. If it is in the quarter-final, that is just part of the draw.”