Skipper Scott Barrett said on Thursday that the All Blacks have no fear of a possible quarter-final clash with South Africa at the Rugby World Cup 2027. though he admitted the team must hit their peak at exactly the right moment. Both sides are currently ranked first and second in the world, and if they top their pools and advance through the new round of 16, stage.
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They are on track for a massive last-eight showdown in Australia. At the official draw in Sydney, the reigning champions. The Springboks are chasing history as they look to secure a third consecutive World Cup title, something no team has ever achieved. New Zealand, meanwhile, landed in Pool A with hosts Australia.
Chile and tournament debutants Hong Kong China. Barrett said he was unfazed by who the All Blacks might meet in the knockouts. Along the way, you’re going to play potentially number one. Two and three in the world, and it might not be in the final, he said. That’s the beauty of the World Cup. You have to peak at the right time.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus, whose side edged New Zealand 12–11 in the 2023 final in France, agreed that nothing can be taken for granted. His team has enjoyed an outstanding year,
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Australia Clash Expected to Open 2027 Rugby World Cup
winning the Rugby Championship again and completing an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series, but he insisted that form guarantees nothing at a Rugby World Cup. We are pleased with the pool we have been drawn in, but this is a World Cup and every team will go out with passion and pride, he said. There have been surprises before, so we’ll need to be mentally and physically ready for every match.
Before the 2027 tournament, the All Blacks will travel to South Africa in 2026 for a historic tour branded as the Greatest Rivalry. It will be the first traditional multi-test tour between the two rugby giants in 30 years. New Zealand will play three Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a fourth match at a neutral venue.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson echoed Barrett’s confidence about the possibility of meeting South Africa early in the knockouts. You’re coming into a Rugby World Cup, you’re going to have to face someone in form to win it, he said.
Their clash is widely expected to open the tournament in Perth, with the full match schedule set to be confirmed on February 3.
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Rugby World Cup Final Confirms New 24-Team, Six-Pool Format
Robertson said playing in a packed Optus Stadium would be special, noting that many New Zealand fans would likely travel for the game. Chile and Hong Kong China round out the pool, with Hong Kong China preparing for its first-ever Rugby World Cup Final appearance. The draw for all pools was revealed at an event in Sydney.
Confirming the first tournament to feature 24 teams split across six pools of four, rather than the previous structure of four pools of five. The 2027 edition will also introduce a round of 16, giving more teams a path to the knockout stages. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson made it clear he expects Australia to open against New Zealand.
Playing New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup, it doesn’t get much better than that, he said. Outgoing head coach Joe Schmidt, who will hand the role to Les Kiss next year, agreed: It’s a trans-Tasman battle that both teams will love. It would be a great way to kick it off.
Offering emerging nations greater opportunities to challenge established teams. With more knockout spots available, coaches and players know that momentum will be crucial. Fans are also anticipating a festival-like atmosphere, with Australia set to welcome tens of thousands of travelling supporters. As excitement builds, teams across the globe are already beginning preparations for the event.
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