Over the past few editions, the Rugby World Cup 2027 has developed a reputation for delivering blockbuster matches right out of the gate games. That immediately grabs attention and reminds fans why this tournament sits at the very top of the sport.
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Think back to South Africa facing the All Blacks in 2019, or New Zealand’s thrilling showdown with France in front of a packed Stade de France in 2023. Even the Springboks’ bruising pool-stage clash with Scotland at that same tournament helped set the tone for what followed.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, however, looks set to move away from that tradition and not necessarily in a good way. Based on the opening fixtures, the tournament risks starting slowly, with a noticeable lack of heavyweight, Tier One matchups in the first week. On paper, the strongest opening fixture appears to be South Africa versus Italy in Pool B.
While that pairing carries some intrigue, it is unlikely to deliver genuine drama. Italy has undoubtedly improved in recent seasons and is more competitive than it once was. But recent meetings suggest they still sit a level below Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks. Against a side chasing history, the Azzurri are unlikely to seriously threaten the defending champions.
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Rugby World Cup: A Format That Trades Drama for Balance
That pursuit of history makes the absence of a marquee opener even more frustrating. South Africa will arrive in Australia aiming to become the first nation to win three Rugby World Cups in a row. Yet fans have been denied what could have been an electric opening-night clash between the host nation and their fiercest rivals.
A non-Bledisloe Cup encounter between Australia and New Zealand to launch a home World Cup would have been intense, emotional, and unforgettable, the perfect way to kick off the tournament. Instead, the Wallabies begin their campaign against Hong Kong, a fixture that is unlikely to stretch them in any meaningful way.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, open against Chile and will only face Australia in their second pool match a week later. By then, the initial buzz of the tournament may already have faded. This scheduling highlights a broader issue with the expanded 24-team format.
Several top-tier nations have been placed into noticeably softer pools, leading to an opening round filled with mismatches. World Rugby has defended the structure, arguing that it helps grow the game globally. Still, it raises an important question: Does an opening week dominated by potential 40- or 50-point blowouts really inspire new fans or build excitement?
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Rugby World Cup Final: SA Rugby Locks In Erasmus for Next Cycle
Without a genuine cliffhanger to hook neutral viewers early. It is fair to wonder whether fans will rush to stadiums or tune in for contests that feel decided long before kickoff. Whether this approach truly benefits the global growth of rugby may only become clear by October 2027.
For now, there is relatively little to anticipate in the opening week, aside from South Africa’s match. The most appealing fixtures in other pools, Ireland versus Scotland, Argentina against Fiji, and England versus Wales, are all scheduled for later rounds.
Any of those matchups could have served as a compelling opening contest, instantly elevating the tournament’s opening weekend. Away from the draw, South Africa received major off-field news with Rassie Erasmus committing his future to SA Rugby.
The Springboks’ head coach recently signed a long-term contract extension. That will keep him in charge beyond the Rugby World Cup 2027, with his deal now running through to 2031. The agreement brings an end to months of speculation surrounding his future.
With Erasmus secured, SA Rugby can now plan with clarity. Balancing preparations for the next World Cup with longer-term goals, including the 2026 Nations Series. On Thursday, 11 December 2025, the organisation also hinted at early succession planning, quietly laying the groundwork for life after Erasmus.
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