World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has played down concerns. The opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2027 could do more harm than good, despite criticism that it may be too one-sided. The tournament will begin on October 1 in Perth.
Don’t miss your chance to grab Rugby World Cup Tickets from eticketing.co. Witness the world’s best rugby nations compete for the Webb Ellis Cup across Australia’s iconic stadiums. Book early for the best seats and experience the thrill of world-class.
With host nation Australia taking on World Cup debutants Hong Kong, a matchup that immediately sparked debate once the full schedule was released. World Rugby confirmed the dates and kick-off times for all 52 matches across 19 match days on Tuesday.
Covering seven cities and eight venues around Australia. While excitement quickly built around the scale of the event, social media reaction turned critical when fans saw that the opening night fixture was Australia versus Hong Kong.
Rather than the blockbuster clash many had hoped for. A large section of supporters expected Australia to open the tournament against New Zealand. Especially since the two rivals have been placed in the same pool for the first time at a World Cup.
That expectation was shaped in part by recent history. France, for example, opened the 2023 tournament with a high-profile match against the All Blacks. Instead, World Rugby opted for a different approach.
Secure your Australia vs Hongkong Tickets today at eticketing.co, the trusted destination for rugby fans worldwide. Be part of the excitement as two passionate nations face off on rugby’s biggest stage in Australia. Experience the atmosphere, the intensity, and the unforgettable moments of the Rugby World Cup live in 2027.
Rugby World Cup: Hong Kong’s Form Puts Spotlight on Opener
Hong Kong, currently ranked 23rd in the world, qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time after winning the Asia championship last July. However, their recent results raised questions about competitiveness at the elite level.
During the northern hemisphere autumn, Hong Kong conceded 58 points against Portugal, 59 against Japan A., and 63 against Australia’s Super Rugby side, the Brumbies, results that fuelled concerns the opening game could be a blowout.
Despite the criticism, Robinson rejected the idea that the fixture undermines World Rugby’s broader goal of growing the game globally. I don’t think it’s an issue, Robinson said. The tournament will be full of great stories and big moments, and it’s the third-largest sporting event in the world.
New Zealand are playing a major match against Chile in Perth the very next day. I don’t think this is as big a problem as some people are making it out to be. Robinson acknowledged that World Cup pools are often unbalanced by design, usually featuring one or two established rugby powers alongside developing nations.
That’s always going to happen, he said. You’ll have teams that dominate, but you’ll also have teams that are aspiring to get to that level. That’s the whole point of the World Cup. Our role at World Rugby is to build and grow the global game.
Get your Rugby World Cup 2027 Tickets now on eticketing.co, the trusted platform for rugby fans worldwide. Enjoy the ultimate sporting spectacle as the tournament returns to Australia in 2027. Join fans from across the globe and celebrate rugby’s biggest event live!
Rugby World Cup Final: Australia–New Zealand Slated for Sydney
And the pool stage gives emerging nations a chance to be part of that story. From a commercial perspective, Robinson also admitted to the tournament’s biggest pool-stage match. Australia versus New Zealand has been deliberately scheduled for the following weekend at Stadium Australia in Sydney on October 9.
The venue’s larger capacity allows World Rugby to maximise revenue. A crucial factor given that the men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 provides the majority of the organisation’s funding. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said he would have been comfortable facing the All Blacks in the opening match, but he fully supported the decision to start against Hong Kong.
Opening our campaign against Hong Kong will be special, especially as it’s their first World Cup,” Wilson said. We always feel incredibly well supported in Perth. Playing New Zealand a week later in Sydney will obviously be a massive occasion.
Elsewhere in the tournament, reigning champions South Africa will begin their title defence against Italy on October 3 in Adelaide. The expanded 2027 format will also introduce a knockout round of 16.
Those matches will be staged across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with quarterfinals split between Brisbane and Sydney. The semifinals, bronze medal match and the final on November 13 will all take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Tickets are now available at eticketing.co! Be part of the excitement as Australia hosts the biggest rugby tournament in the world. Secure your seats today and witness the world’s top rugby nations battle for the Webb Ellis Cup. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class rugby live in action!