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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Robert Kitson

Hong Kong China’s minnows relish a Rugby World Cup baptism of fire

Paul Altier of Hong Kong China evades a tackle during a World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 match between Samoa and Hong Kong China.
Paul Altier of Hong Kong China evades a tackle during a World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 match against Samoa. Photograph: Marcelo Hernández/World Rugby/Getty Images

This time next year the Rugby World Cup will be looming large. Australia’s big party kicks off on 1 October 2027 when the host nation will be intent on replicating the feelgood factor generated by their eventful 42-38 win against the world champion Springboks on Sunday. If the Wallabies can maintain their improvement under Les Kiss, the levels of local interest will rise exponentially.

A resurgent Australia could also have significant implications for England, their potential quarter-final opponents, as well as New Zealand. Should the Wallabies somehow find a way past the All Blacks in Sydney on the second weekend of the pool stages it would catapult the Kiwis into England’s side of the draw and rip up a lot of advance calculations.

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