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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Luke McLaughlin

Hosts Australia to face New Zealand in Rugby World Cup pool as England draw Wales

Australian Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas and All Blacks legend Dan Carter conduct the draw.
Australian Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas and All Blacks legend Dan Carter conduct the draw. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/World Rugby/Getty Images

The host nation Australia will face their traditional rivals New Zealand at the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. The Wallabies, hosting a second men’s tournament, were guaranteed to face a top-ranked nation in Pool A due to their world ranking of seventh and the renewal of their fierce rivalry with the All Blacks is perhaps the most appetising possible outcome from the draw made in Sydney on Wednesday.

The potential for a “Bledisloe Cup” opening match to kick off the global showpiece, on 1 October 2027 in Perth, will be a hugely attractive prospect. Chile, playing at their second Rugby World Cup after their debut in France in 2023, and debutants Hong Kong are also in Pool A.

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