2027 Rugby World Cup: Australia and New Zealand drawn in Group A with opening game to be played in PerthBen SmithThe West AustralianWed, 3 December 2025 5:42PMCommentsCommentsEmail Ben Smith
Perth is poised to host a blockbuster Rugby World Cup opening game after the Wallabies were drawn into the same pool as bitter rivals New Zealand.
Just months after the All Blacks beat Australia at Optus Stadium, the two rivals are set for a second visit to Perth in three years at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
While the schedule and location of the group games will not be revealed until February ahead of ticket pre-sales, Perth is locked in to host the opening ceremony and game at Optus Stadium on October 1.
And organisers World Rugby will be desperate to begin their biggest World Cup yet with a bang, paving the way for Australia and New Zealand to kick off proceedings in two years time.
Australia will also face world no.17 Chile and a Hong Kong side making their tournament debut in Group A after the draw was conducted on Wednesday night.
In addition to the opening ceremony and game, Optus Stadium will host five pool matches and two round-of-16 games.
More to come
Group A: New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong
Group B: South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group C: Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Group D: Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Group E: France, Japan, USA, Samoa
Group F: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
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