The Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia is already generating huge excitement. But the announcement of the opening match has sparked debate among fans. Hosts Australia will face debutants Hong Kong in the tournament opener on October 1 in Perth. A decision that surprised many who expected a blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand.
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However, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has dismissed concerns that the opener could be one-sided or damaging to the tournament’s global appeal. Instead, he believes the match reflects the World Cup’s broader mission: to grow rugby worldwide and allow emerging nations to compete on the biggest stage.
When World Rugby released the full match schedule for all 52 games across seven cities and eight venues. Social media quickly reacted to the opener. Many fans wanted Australia vs New Zealand — rugby’s most famous rivalry to kick off the tournament. Especially since the two teams are in the same pool for the first time in World Cup history.
In 2023, hosts France opened their campaign against the All Blacks, setting a high bar for dramatic opening-night fixtures. Against that backdrop, Australia versus Hong Kong felt underwhelming to some supporters. Hong Kong qualified for their first-ever.
Rugby World Cup by winning the Asia Championship in 2024, a historic achievement for the nation. But recent heavy defeats against Portugal, Japan A, and Australia’s Super Rugby side, the Brumbies, have led critics to predict a lopsided result against the Wallabies.
Rugby World Cup: Wallabies Back the Opening Game
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said the team is happy with the schedule and excited to start their campaign against Hong Kong. To kick off our Rugby World Cup against Hong Kong is special because it’s their first appearance at the tournament, Wilson said. We also always feel incredibly well supported in Perth. Then to play New Zealand a week later in Sydney will be a massive occasion.
For Australia, the match offers a chance to build momentum in front of a home crowd while welcoming a new nation to rugby’s biggest event, something World Rugby views as central to the sport’s future. South Africa, Knockout Rounds, and Key Dates: Defending champions South Africa, who are aiming for an unprecedented third straight World Cup title.
Will begin their campaign against Italy on October 3 in Adelaide. That fixture is expected to be one of the highlights of the opening weekend. The 2027 Rugby World Cup will also introduce a major structural change: a round of 16 for the first time in tournament history. This means more knockout rugby, more high-stakes matches, and greater chances for surprise results.
The round of 16 games will be played across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, giving fans in multiple cities the chance to experience knockout rugby firsthand. The quarterfinals will be held in Brisbane and Sydney, while the semifinals, bronze final, and the grand final on November 13 will all take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Growing the Game Beyond Traditional Powers
World Rugby has made no secret of its ambition to expand the sport beyond its traditional strongholds. Bringing new teams like Hong Kong into the Rugby World Cup Final aligns with that goal, even if it means some early mismatches. Robinson believes that exposure to top-tier nations is essential for developing rugby countries to improve, attract fans, and inspire future generations of players.
The pools are an opportunity, he said. Yes, some teams will dominate, but others will learn, grow, and take important steps forward. That’s our role to build and grow our global game. For Hong Kong, simply appearing in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup Final is a landmark moment. It places Asian rugby on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world and gives its players invaluable experience against elite opposition.
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Rugby World Cup: What This Means for Fans
While Australia vs Hong Kong may not have the glamour of a trans-Tasman showdown, it offers something equally meaningful: the chance to witness history as a new nation makes its Rugby World Cup debut. With Australia vs New Zealand, South Africa vs Italy, and a brand-new knockout format still to come, Rugby World Cup 2027 promises drama and intensity.
And unforgettable moments throughout the tournament. And as Rugby World Cup sees it, the opening match isn’t just about the scoreline, it’s about the story, the growth of the game, and welcoming new teams into rugby’s global spotlight.
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