Australia and New Zealand will not face each other in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2027. Despite both nations serving as co-hosts of the tournament. Instead, organizers have decided to delay the much-anticipated trans-Tasman showdown until later in the pool stage.
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A move designed to maximize interest and momentum throughout the competition. The full match schedule is set to be officially unveiled in Sydney on Tuesday morning. But reports from the Sydney Morning Herald indicate that the opening fixture will feature Australia against a lower-ranked opponent, most likely Chile or Hong Kong.
That match is expected to take place in Perth, with the Western Australian government having already secured the rights to host the tournament opener at Optus Stadium, which has a capacity of 61,000. Traditionally, the host nation plays the first game of a Rugby World Cup, and that custom will still be followed.
However, tournament organisers believe there is little commercial or promotional downside to Australia facing a less high-profile opponent in the opening match. Given that the opener is almost certain to sell out regardless of who the Wallabies play, officials see greater value in spreading marquee fixtures across the pool rounds rather than concentrating them at the very start of the tournament.
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Rugby World Cup: Organizers Save Biggest Draw for 82,000-Seat Stadium
Another factor influencing the decision, according to sources familiar with the planning process, is the risk of Australia losing the opening match if it were against New Zealand. A defeat so early in the tournament could potentially dampen domestic enthusiasm, particularly among casual fans.
By contrast, a more manageable opening opponent gives the Wallabies a strong chance to start the tournament. With a win, build confidence and excitement among supporters. The highly anticipated Wallabies All Blacks pool match is instead set to be staged at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, which holds 82,000 spectators.
By scheduling the biggest draw of the pool phase at Australia’s largest venue. Organizers can maximize ticket sales and overall revenue while also creating one of the tournament’s showpiece occasions.
This approach is far from unusual in Rugby World Cup history. While France chose to open the 2023 tournament against New Zealand in a blockbuster clash, other recent host nations have taken a more cautious route.
England opted to face Fiji in the opening match in 2015, while Japan began their 2019 campaign against Russia. Both tournaments benefited from strong early performances by the hosts, helping to build momentum and public interest. In earlier editions of the World Cup, tradition dictated that hosts would play the defending champions in the opening match.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Focus Shifts to Next Generation Ahead of 2027
As Australia did against South Africa in 1995. However, that convention has since been abandoned, giving organisers greater flexibility to shape the tournament schedule strategically. Away from the fixture planning, attention is also turning to the next generation of international stars with the Rugby World Cup 2027 drawing closer.
One such player is Pollock, who has earned selection for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. With just over a year and a half until the World Cup, he will be determined to cement his place in Steve Borthwick’s England squad.
Speaking to Redknapp, the rising star reflected on the ambitions of the England group under Borthwick’s leadership. He praised the environment the head coach has created and the belief within the squad.
Steve’s come in and built an amazing group around us, he said. There’s a massive belief that this is something special. We’ve got incredible talent across the board, and hopefully we can do something really special with it.
With the World Cup firmly in sight, every match now carries added significance. The World Cup is on the horizon, and everything we’re doing is building towards that, he added. Every game matters. We’ve spoken openly about the goal being the Rugby World Cup, and we’re excited to see where we go in the Six Nations and during the summer.
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