2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: Wallabies and All Blacks Clash in Perth Opener

In a dream scenario for tournament organisers and fans alike, arch-rivals Australia and New Zealand have been drawn together in Group A for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, setting the stage for a blockbuster opening match in Perth.

Perth Secures Historic World Cup Opener

Perth's Optus Stadium is confirmed to host the tournament's opening ceremony and inaugural match on October 1, 2027. The draw, conducted on Wednesday night, has paved the way for the Wallabies and All Blacks to reignite their storied rivalry on the global stage to kick off the event. This will mark the second time in three years the two teams have met at the Perth venue, following a recent Bledisloe Cup encounter there.

Group A Composition and Tournament Schedule

Alongside the heavyweight Trans-Tasman clash, Group A will feature world number 17 Chile and Hong Kong, who will be making their Rugby World Cup debut. While the full schedule and specific locations for all pool matches will not be released until February ahead of ticket pre-sales, Optus Stadium is locked in for a significant role.

The Perth stadium is slated to host a total of five pool stage matches and two crucial round-of-16 fixtures, cementing Western Australia's place at the heart of the tournament's early stages.

A Boost for Australian Rugby and Perth

World Rugby will be eager to launch its largest World Cup ever with a spectacular opening, and a clash between two of the sport's most iconic teams guarantees a monumental start. This draw represents a major coup for Australian rugby, ensuring massive local interest from day one of the home tournament.

For Perth, securing the opener and multiple high-stakes matches is a testament to the city's world-class facilities and passionate sporting culture, promising a significant economic and tourism boost for Western Australia.

The full 2027 Rugby World Cup draw is as follows: