England now know who stands between them and a place in the final of the Rugby World Cup 2027 after the draw was made in Sydney on Wednesday. The ceremony has given Steve Borthwick’s side a clear picture of the challenges ahead, as well as a sense of where the real dangers may lie if they progress deep into the tournament.
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The draw comes at a time when England’s momentum is quietly building. Earlier this year, they survived a serious test against Argentina to claim an 11th consecutive victory of 2025, a result that reinforced belief within the squad and provided a timely boost before next season’s Six Nations. That run of form has helped soften the lingering disappointment of 2023.
When England fell just short of the final after a brutal semi-final defeat to South Africa. The Springboks edged that contest 16-15 and went on to win a tense final against New Zealand. South Africa remains the benchmark. They are chasing a historic third straight Rugby World Cup 2027 title and recently underlined their power by dismantling Wales 73-0, running in 11 tries.
Few sides can match that level of physical dominance, and it is no surprise they are again among the favourites. England have been placed in Pool F alongside Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe. On paper, it is a manageable group, although Wales always brings edge and familiarity, while Tonga’s physicality demands respect.
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How England’s Rugby World Cup Route Could Unfold
Zimbabwe are the outsider, but tournaments have a habit of punishing complacency. England will expect to top the pool, but nothing will be taken for granted. If England finish first, they will move into a round-of-16 match against the runner-up from Pool B. With South Africa strongly fancied to win that pool, England are likely to face either Italy or Georgia at that stage.
Both are awkward opponents capable of springing surprises, but England would be confident of progressing. The quarter-final picture is more daunting. England would then meet the winner of a clash between the runners-up from Pool A and Pool E. That combination points towards one of New Zealand or Australia, with Japan also a possible opponent.
It is the kind of fixture that traditionally defines a Rugby World Cup campaign and leaves little room for error. Reaching the semi-finals would open the door to another heavy test. The winners of Pool C or Pool D would await, bringing Argentina, Ireland or Scotland into the equation. Each carries its own threat: Argentina’s intensity, Ireland’s structure and Scotland’s attacking ambition.
By that stage, only the most complete teams tend to survive. A place in the final could then set up a showdown with one of South Africa, New Zealand or France, three of the four leading contenders according to early betting. For England, it would be a chance to right old wrongs and reclaim the sport’s biggest prize.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Shortlist Announced for Team of the Year Award
Away from rugby, voting has opened for the Team of the Year award at the Sports Personality of the Year 2025. England’s Euro 2025-winning women’s football team, the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final champions and Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup side have all been shortlisted. Voting closes ahead of the live BBC One and BBC iPlayer broadcast on Thursday, 18 December. Last year’s award went to Wigan Warriors.
The Lionesses’ Euro triumph was historic. Their penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in July made them the first senior England football team to win a major trophy on foreign soil. They showed remarkable resilience, conceding first in all three knockout matches and taking three different games to extra time.
England’s women rugby players were equally impressive, lifting the Rugby World Cup Final in September with a 33-13 win over Canada in front of a world-record crowd at Twickenham. It was their first title since 2014 and extended a remarkable unbeaten run to 33 matches. Europe’s Ryder Cup success was another landmark. Luke Donald’s side withstood a fierce American comeback to win 15-13 at Bethpage Black.
Securing back-to-back victories and a rare win on US soil. Finally, Sale Sharks’ 35-14 win away to Clermont showed promise. Raffi Quirke impressed, while young lock Tom Burrow continues to develop faster than expected. For England, signs of depth and progress are quietly encouraging.
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