SPRINGBOKS BRACE FOR BRUTAL WORLD CUP ROAD TO FINAL
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature 24 nations divided into six pools of four, a departure from the old format of four pools of five.
The top two from each pool will advance to a new Round of 16, along with the four best-placed third-place teams. That tweak means more sides have a shot at knockout rugby, even if they don’t finish top two.
The draw landed the Springboks in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania. But it’s hardly an easy ride. If South Africa top their pool and navigate the Round of 16 successfully, they’re likely to run into New Zealand or host nation Australia. That sets the stage for a brutal possible quarter-final showdown: Springboks versus All Blacks, a repeat of one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Meanwhile, Pool A delivered its own blockbuster: New Zealand and Australia drawn together for the first time ever in the same pool. Add underdog sides Chile and debutants Hong Kong China to that mix.
Pool C gathers Argentina, Fiji, Spain and Canada, a group where upsets are possible. Pool D reunites rivals Ireland and Scotland alongside Uruguay and Portugal, while Pool F throws together England, Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe.
Pool E might be the gentler draw among the top sides, with France, Japan, USA and Samoa.
Image credit: BBC