One year out from the opening of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, national squads face contrasting fortunes, with South Africa holding the top ranking while New Zealand positions itself as a leading challenger. The upcoming tournament marks the first time the competition will feature 24 teams and 52 matches, incorporating a new round of 16 stage across host cities including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson stated that the event promises to be the biggest and most accessible celebration of rugby ever staged,
arriving 40 years after the inaugural tournament was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987. Pool play concludes with a Super Sunday of five matches on 17 October 2027, leading to quarter-finals in Brisbane and Sydney, and culminating in the final on 13 November 2027 in Sydney.
Contenders and Rankings at the One-Year Mark
Sitting atop the World Rugby rankings, South Africa remains the team to beat despite a loss to Australia in Perth, having previously secured a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand. Set-piece dominance and physicality continue to be the hallmarks of the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus. Meanwhile, New Zealand stands in second place, acting as the closest challenger to South Africa’s supremacy under coach Dave Rennie by focusing on playing at pace and showcasing handling skills, backed by players such as Ardie Savea.
Ireland sits third in the rankings and at the front of the second cluster of teams, though their recent performances in the Nations Championships included a heavy loss to New Zealand.
Australia and England Squads Face Lingering Selection Questions
Host nation Australia holds a B-plus grade, bolstered by a significant win over the Springboks in Perth under Les Kiss. The Wallabies boast game-breakers in their back division, though questions remain at first five-eighths where Ben Donaldson does not yet feel like a definitive No 10. England carries a B-minus grade, balancing a deep squad—featuring Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso—with persistent issues regarding discipline and finishing chances under head coach Steve Borthwick.
Former Wallaby Nick Cummins and Australia Sevens Olympic gold medalist Alicia Lucas believe the expanded tournament will leave Australia gobsmacked
by the scale of international fans and events.
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