Boks to kick off 2027 RWC title defence against Italy

The Springboks will return to Adelaide when they kick off their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign against Italy on 3 October 2027.

World Rugby announced the 2027 Rugby World Cup schedule on Tuesday, which will be played in eight venues across Australia.

The new format with 24 teams will see a round of 16 playing out on the weekend of 23 and 24 October, with the quarterfinals set for 30 to 31 October.

The semifinals are set for 5 and 6 November, and the final will take place on 13 November.

South Africa will face Italy, Georgia, and Romania in Pool B, as they hope to win their third consecutive title.

Sports reporter Craig Ray said that, while the group stage seems straightforward, the real challenge will come in the knockout stage, which could potentially see a fixture against New Zealand.

He said the Springboks are a well-equipped, strong team with good depth, with coach Rassie Erasmus focusing on winning the upcoming three tests against the All Blacks.

“There are some little issues, but generally speaking, 20-odd months out from the World Cup, the Springboks are in great shape, and it’s going to come down to three games for them; quarter-final, semifinal and final.”

Ray criticised the tournament’s new format, suggesting that the increased number of teams and seeding of the teams was an ‘own goal’ by World Rugby.

“While rugby did not have a lot of jeopardy in the pool games to start with, they are pretty predictable. In 2027, it is going to be even worse because you really don’t have any big games.

“What’s the point of seedings if you are not going to separate your first and second seeds at the time of a draw? They are now going to meet in the quarterfinals."

To listen to Ray in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below: